ms DESMARIE WATERHOUSE

Discussed support for H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act, to reform permitting processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 4503, the ePermit Act, to digitize the federal permitting process for environmental reviews. Discussed support for H.R. 1897, the ESA Amendments Act of 2025, to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to optimize conservation through resource prioritization, incentivize wildlife conservation on private lands, provide for greater incentives to recover listed species, create greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species, streamline the permitting process, eliminate barriers to conservation, and restore congressional intent.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed possible regulations to implement section 26 USC 7701(a)(51)(D)(i)(l)(dd), prohibited foreign entity debt test (15 percent). Discussed support of possible changes to 26 CFR 1.141-7, Special Rules for Output Facilities, to accommodate long-term customized commercial contracts. Discussed support for elective payment of energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act (26 USC 6817) and the need for clarity from the Treasury Department on the implementation of section 26 USC 7701(a)(51), prohibited foreign entity debt test. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 1255, the Investing in Our Communities Act, legislation that would enable public power utilities to better manage the debt they use to finance critical infrastructure investments (all provisions). Discussed opposition to potential legislation to amend, in whole or in part, 26 USC 103, tax exemption for municipal bonds. Discussed support for potential legislation to increase the $10 million small issue threshold in 26 USC 265(b)(3) to $30 million.

Discussed possible regulations to implement section 26 USC 7701(a)(51)(D)(i)(l)(dd), prohibited foreign entity debt test (15 percent). Discussed support for regulations implementing 26 USC 7701(51)(D)(i)(I)(dd) regarding the prohibited foreign entity debt test (15 percent) to exempt publicly offered debt or stipulate that the underwriter of publicly offered debt is the issuee for purposes of the text. Discussed support of possible changes to 26 CFR 1.141-7, Special Rules for Output Facilities, to accommodate long-term customized commercial contracts and acquisition of existing output facilities to serve large load customers. Discussed support for elective payment of energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act (26 USC 6817). Discussed concerns with implementation of the domestic content requirements necessary to access elective pay provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (Pub. Law 117-169, sections 13101(g)(2), 13102(l), 13701, and 13702). Discussed support for simplifying the qualification for elective payment under 26 USC 6417 (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 1255, the Investing in Our Communities Act, legislation that would enable public power utilities to better manage the debt they use to finance critical infrastructure investments (all provisions). Discussed the importance of municipal bonds, which are used by public power utilities to build energy infrastructure. Discussed support for S. 1481, the Lifting Our Communities through Advanced Liquidity for Infrastructure Act, legislation that would enable public power utilities to better manage the debt they use to finance critical infrastructure investments (all provisions). Discussed opposition to potential legislation to amend, in whole or in part, 26 USC 103, tax exemption for municipal bonds. Discussed support for potential legislation to increase the $10 million small issue threshold in 26 USC 265(b)(3) to $30 million. Discussed opposition to proposed changes to tax-exempt financing to encourage the privatization of public infrastructure through asset recycling (no legislation). Discussed the potential effect of energy and natural gas prepayment transactions on tax-exempt financing.

Discussed support for H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act (all provisions), including section 101 on rebuilding public infrastructure. Discussed support for H.R. 2672, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (all provisions) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance. Discussed support for its reintroduction in the 119th Congress. Discussed support for H.R. 164, the Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience (POWER) Act of 2025, to authorize electric utilities receiving certain emergency assistance for the restoration of power to also carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities in combination with the power restoration activities.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed support for H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act, to improve the permitting process for infrastructure projects under the Clean Water Act, the provision regarding nationwide permitting and the determination of the appropriate acreage threshold for discharges into WOTUS, and the provision regarding section 18 statutory exclusion from the regulatory definition of WOTUS for waste treatment systems. Discussed H.R. 1267, the PFAS Water Systems Liability Act, regarding how utilities are passive receivers of PFAS. Discussed the zero-liquid discharge requirements for certain waste streams under the Environmental Protection Agencys Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines (EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0819). Discussed Clean Water Act section 401 water quality certification rule and its importance to the power sector (EPA-HQ-OW-2025-2929). Discussed the importance of issuing a final rule defining Waters of the United States quickly (EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0322). Discussed EPAs proposed repeal of the Greenhouse Gas Standards for Fossil Fuel Fired Electric Generating Units (EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0124; FRL-12674-01-OAR). Discussed support for the National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act provisions in S. 4994, the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act, to streamline permitting under the Natural Gas Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Discussed support for H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act, to reform permitting processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 4503, the ePermit Act, to digitize the federal permitting process for environmental reviews. Discussed support for H.R. 1897, the ESA Amendments Act of 2025, to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to optimize conservation through resource prioritization, incentivize wildlife conservation on private lands, provide for greater incentives to recover listed species, create greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species, streamline the permitting process, eliminate barriers to conservation, and restore congressional intent.

Discussed support for H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act (all provisions), including section 101 on rebuilding public infrastructure. Discussed support for H.R. 2672, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (all provisions) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance. Discussed support for its reintroduction in the 119th Congress. Discussed support for H.R. 164, the Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience (POWER) Act of 2025, to authorize electric utilities receiving certain emergency assistance for the restoration of power to also carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities in combination with the power restoration activities.

Discussed support for H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act, to reform permitting processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 4503, the ePermit Act, to digitize the federal permitting process for environmental reviews. Discussed support for H.R. 1897, the ESA Amendments Act of 2025, to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to optimize conservation through resource prioritization, incentivize wildlife conservation on private lands, provide for greater incentives to recover listed species, create greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species, streamline the permitting process, eliminate barriers to conservation, and restore congressional intent.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act (all provisions), to establish a best-available transmission conductor standard for certain transmission projects under the Federal Power Act and to provide for presumptions regarding cost recovery for such conductors. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9332, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish regional joint boards to study electric load forecasting. Discussed technical assistance for public power utilities for load forecasting. Discussed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed Winter Storm Fern and the use of section 202(c) orders by the Department of Energy to ensure grid reliability. Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Provided feedback on draft legislation, the State Energy Oversight Act, on performance-based ratemaking. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the importance of coordination between the military and public power utilities that serve them (no legislation). Discussed issues related to defense critical electric infrastructure, including the importance of coordination between the military and Department of Energy (no legislation). Discussed existing cooperative agreements with the Department of Energy (DE-CR0000007, DE-CR0000015, and DE-CR0000026. Discussed the Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence. Discussion of distribution transformer supply chain challenges (no legislation). Discussed the impact of federal trade policies on supply chains for public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed supply chain issues facing public power utilities and the significant cost increases they are seeing for key electrical equipment that can only be acquired abroad (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority to public power utilities served by it. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability, as well as ensuring a voice for public power in evaluating governance issues (FERC Docket RM26-4 and AD26-7). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act (all provisions), to establish a best-available transmission conductor standard for certain transmission projects under the Federal Power Act and to provide for presumptions regarding cost recovery for such conductors. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9332, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish regional joint boards to study electric load forecasting. Discussed technical assistance for public power utilities for load forecasting. Discussed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed Winter Storm Fern and the use of section 202(c) orders by the Department of Energy to ensure grid reliability. Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Provided feedback on draft legislation, the State Energy Oversight Act, on performance-based ratemaking. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the importance of coordination between the military and public power utilities that serve them (no legislation). Discussed issues related to defense critical electric infrastructure, including the importance of coordination between the military and Department of Energy (no legislation). Discussed existing cooperative agreements with the Department of Energy (DE-CR0000007, DE-CR0000015, and DE-CR0000026. Discussed the Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence. Discussion of distribution transformer supply chain challenges (no legislation). Discussed the impact of federal trade policies on supply chains for public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed supply chain issues facing public power utilities and the significant cost increases they are seeing for key electrical equipment that can only be acquired abroad (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority to public power utilities served by it. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability, as well as ensuring a voice for public power in evaluating governance issues (FERC Docket RM26-4 and AD26-7). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act (all provisions), to establish a best-available transmission conductor standard for certain transmission projects under the Federal Power Act and to provide for presumptions regarding cost recovery for such conductors. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9332, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish regional joint boards to study electric load forecasting. Discussed technical assistance for public power utilities for load forecasting. Discussed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed Winter Storm Fern and the use of section 202(c) orders by the Department of Energy to ensure grid reliability. Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Provided feedback on draft legislation, the State Energy Oversight Act, on performance-based ratemaking. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the importance of coordination between the military and public power utilities that serve them (no legislation). Discussed issues related to defense critical electric infrastructure, including the importance of coordination between the military and Department of Energy (no legislation). Discussed existing cooperative agreements with the Department of Energy (DE-CR0000007, DE-CR0000015, and DE-CR0000026. Discussed the Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence. Discussion of distribution transformer supply chain challenges (no legislation). Discussed the impact of federal trade policies on supply chains for public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed supply chain issues facing public power utilities and the significant cost increases they are seeing for key electrical equipment that can only be acquired abroad (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority to public power utilities served by it. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability, as well as ensuring a voice for public power in evaluating governance issues (FERC Docket RM26-4 and AD26-7). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed possible regulations to implement section 26 USC 7701(a)(51)(D)(i)(l)(dd), prohibited foreign entity debt test (15 percent). Discussed support for regulations implementing 26 USC 7701(51)(D)(i)(I)(dd) regarding the prohibited foreign entity debt test (15 percent) to exempt publicly offered debt or stipulate that the underwriter of publicly offered debt is the issuee for purposes of the text. Discussed support of possible changes to 26 CFR 1.141-7, Special Rules for Output Facilities, to accommodate long-term customized commercial contracts and acquisition of existing output facilities to serve large load customers. Discussed support for elective payment of energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act (26 USC 6817). Discussed concerns with implementation of the domestic content requirements necessary to access elective pay provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (Pub. Law 117-169, sections 13101(g)(2), 13102(l), 13701, and 13702). Discussed support for simplifying the qualification for elective payment under 26 USC 6417 (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 1255, the Investing in Our Communities Act, legislation that would enable public power utilities to better manage the debt they use to finance critical infrastructure investments (all provisions). Discussed the importance of municipal bonds, which are used by public power utilities to build energy infrastructure. Discussed support for S. 1481, the Lifting Our Communities through Advanced Liquidity for Infrastructure Act, legislation that would enable public power utilities to better manage the debt they use to finance critical infrastructure investments (all provisions). Discussed opposition to potential legislation to amend, in whole or in part, 26 USC 103, tax exemption for municipal bonds. Discussed support for potential legislation to increase the $10 million small issue threshold in 26 USC 265(b)(3) to $30 million. Discussed opposition to proposed changes to tax-exempt financing to encourage the privatization of public infrastructure through asset recycling (no legislation). Discussed the potential effect of energy and natural gas prepayment transactions on tax-exempt financing.

Discussed possible regulations to implement section 26 USC 7701(a)(51)(D)(i)(l)(dd), prohibited foreign entity debt test (15 percent). Discussed support of possible changes to 26 CFR 1.141-7, Special Rules for Output Facilities, to accommodate long-term customized commercial contracts. Discussed support for elective payment of energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act (26 USC 6817) and the need for clarity from the Treasury Department on the implementation of section 26 USC 7701(a)(51), prohibited foreign entity debt test. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 1255, the Investing in Our Communities Act, legislation that would enable public power utilities to better manage the debt they use to finance critical infrastructure investments (all provisions). Discussed opposition to potential legislation to amend, in whole or in part, 26 USC 103, tax exemption for municipal bonds. Discussed support for potential legislation to increase the $10 million small issue threshold in 26 USC 265(b)(3) to $30 million.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed possible regulations to implement section 26 USC 7701(a)(51)(D)(i)(l)(dd), prohibited foreign entity debt test (15 percent). Discussed support for regulations implementing 26 USC 7701(51)(D)(i)(I)(dd) regarding the prohibited foreign entity debt test (15 percent) to exempt publicly offered debt or stipulate that the underwriter of publicly offered debt is the issuee for purposes of the text. Discussed support of possible changes to 26 CFR 1.141-7, Special Rules for Output Facilities, to accommodate long-term customized commercial contracts and acquisition of existing output facilities to serve large load customers. Discussed support for elective payment of energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act (26 USC 6817). Discussed concerns with implementation of the domestic content requirements necessary to access elective pay provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (Pub. Law 117-169, sections 13101(g)(2), 13102(l), 13701, and 13702). Discussed support for simplifying the qualification for elective payment under 26 USC 6417 (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 1255, the Investing in Our Communities Act, legislation that would enable public power utilities to better manage the debt they use to finance critical infrastructure investments (all provisions). Discussed the importance of municipal bonds, which are used by public power utilities to build energy infrastructure. Discussed support for S. 1481, the Lifting Our Communities through Advanced Liquidity for Infrastructure Act, legislation that would enable public power utilities to better manage the debt they use to finance critical infrastructure investments (all provisions). Discussed opposition to potential legislation to amend, in whole or in part, 26 USC 103, tax exemption for municipal bonds. Discussed support for potential legislation to increase the $10 million small issue threshold in 26 USC 265(b)(3) to $30 million. Discussed opposition to proposed changes to tax-exempt financing to encourage the privatization of public infrastructure through asset recycling (no legislation). Discussed the potential effect of energy and natural gas prepayment transactions on tax-exempt financing.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act (all provisions), to establish a best-available transmission conductor standard for certain transmission projects under the Federal Power Act and to provide for presumptions regarding cost recovery for such conductors. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9332, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish regional joint boards to study electric load forecasting. Discussed technical assistance for public power utilities for load forecasting. Discussed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed Winter Storm Fern and the use of section 202(c) orders by the Department of Energy to ensure grid reliability. Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Provided feedback on draft legislation, the State Energy Oversight Act, on performance-based ratemaking. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the importance of coordination between the military and public power utilities that serve them (no legislation). Discussed issues related to defense critical electric infrastructure, including the importance of coordination between the military and Department of Energy (no legislation). Discussed existing cooperative agreements with the Department of Energy (DE-CR0000007, DE-CR0000015, and DE-CR0000026. Discussed the Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence. Discussion of distribution transformer supply chain challenges (no legislation). Discussed the impact of federal trade policies on supply chains for public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed supply chain issues facing public power utilities and the significant cost increases they are seeing for key electrical equipment that can only be acquired abroad (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority to public power utilities served by it. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability, as well as ensuring a voice for public power in evaluating governance issues (FERC Docket RM26-4 and AD26-7). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act (all provisions), to establish a best-available transmission conductor standard for certain transmission projects under the Federal Power Act and to provide for presumptions regarding cost recovery for such conductors. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9332, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish regional joint boards to study electric load forecasting. Discussed technical assistance for public power utilities for load forecasting. Discussed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed Winter Storm Fern and the use of section 202(c) orders by the Department of Energy to ensure grid reliability. Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Provided feedback on draft legislation, the State Energy Oversight Act, on performance-based ratemaking. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the importance of coordination between the military and public power utilities that serve them (no legislation). Discussed issues related to defense critical electric infrastructure, including the importance of coordination between the military and Department of Energy (no legislation). Discussed existing cooperative agreements with the Department of Energy (DE-CR0000007, DE-CR0000015, and DE-CR0000026. Discussed the Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence. Discussion of distribution transformer supply chain challenges (no legislation). Discussed the impact of federal trade policies on supply chains for public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed supply chain issues facing public power utilities and the significant cost increases they are seeing for key electrical equipment that can only be acquired abroad (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority to public power utilities served by it. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability, as well as ensuring a voice for public power in evaluating governance issues (FERC Docket RM26-4 and AD26-7). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative National Environmental Policy Act requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act (all provisions), to establish a best-available transmission conductor standard for certain transmission projects under the Federal Power Act and to provide for presumptions regarding cost recovery for such conductors. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9332, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish regional joint boards to study electric load forecasting. Discussed technical assistance for public power utilities for load forecasting. Discussed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed Winter Storm Fern and the use of section 202(c) orders by the Department of Energy to ensure grid reliability. Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Provided feedback on draft legislation, the State Energy Oversight Act, on performance-based ratemaking. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the importance of coordination between the military and public power utilities that serve them (no legislation). Discussed issues related to defense critical electric infrastructure, including the importance of coordination between the military and Department of Energy (no legislation). Discussed existing cooperative agreements with the Department of Energy (DE-CR0000007, DE-CR0000015, and DE-CR0000026. Discussed the Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence. Discussion of distribution transformer supply chain challenges (no legislation). Discussed the impact of federal trade policies on supply chains for public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed supply chain issues facing public power utilities and the significant cost increases they are seeing for key electrical equipment that can only be acquired abroad (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority to public power utilities served by it. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability, as well as ensuring a voice for public power in evaluating governance issues (FERC Docket RM26-4 and AD26-7). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed support for H.R. 7266/S. 5360, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed general support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518/H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 9337/S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to modernize the hydropower licensing process (all provisions). Discussed general support for legislative efforts to improve the permitting process, including the importance of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completing its portion of permitting reviews in a timely manner (no legislation). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of maintaining the current treatment of Federal Power Act section 201(f) non-jurisdictional entities in draft permitting reform legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed the cost drivers for transmission (no legislation). Discussed efforts by the Bonneville Power Administration to improve transmission and markets (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 9340/S. 5028, the Ratepayer Protection Act, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a federal standard relating to the recovery of the full, incremental costs of upgrades that serve large-load customers (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the expansion of must considers under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (no legislation). Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 5008, the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, to require regional transmission organizations and independent system operators administering an open access transmission tariff to offer basic access service for energy-only deliver (all provisions). Discussed S. 5199, the GRID Savings Act of 2026, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system and provide for standards and procedures for the interconnection of large loads (all provisions). Discussed the tax implications of provisions in the bill that would impact public power. Discussed draft legislation that would establish a grant program at the Department of Energy and incentives at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support the use of AI tools for utility cybersecurity purposes. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 8308, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council governance and the importance of information sharing between the federal government and critical infrastructure. Discussed the public power business model (no legislation). Discussed energy affordability and all the actions public power utilities take to keep electricity affordable for their customers and to assist those in need (no legislation). Discussed support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (no legislation). Discussed draft legislation to create a national program for relief of utility arrears and collect data about electricity affordability from utilities (all provision). Discussed draft legislation to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts that data centers are having on rural areas. Discussed how public power utilities are working to ensure their customers do not bear the costs of serving large computational loads (no legislation). Discussed issues related to data center affordability and support for efforts to protect affordability and reliability when interconnecting data centers. Discussed the Presidents Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agencys (CISA) work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (all provisions) to reauthorize the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Discussed support for S. 2983, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act (all provisions), to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Security Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). Discussed support for a replacement to the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council at the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate interaction between governmental entities and representatives from the community of critical infrastructure owners and operators. (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to elevate the Department of Energys energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed the need to amend sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act so that mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions address only direct project effects, like those from the construction, operation, or maintenance of the licensed project (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act, to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 7940, the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, to amend the Federal Power Act to require the consideration of invasive species when prescribing fishways. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities under section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act. Discussed how interregional transmission planning should be left to each region of the country rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all federal mandate for each region to maintain a minimum level of transfer capability with its neighbors (no legislation). Discussed maintaining the existing beneficiary-pays cost allocation principle for transmission under the Federal Power Act to require the costs of a transmission project to be allocated to beneficiaries in a way that is roughly commensurate with the estimated benefits (no legislation). Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616/S. 3034, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed the role of grid enhancing technologies in transmission and virtual power plants (no legislation). Discussed grid enhancing technologies and their potential ability to improve grid reliability but should only be deployed where there are clear reliability and consumer benefits (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7977, the transmission provisions in the Energy Bills Relief Act. Discussed support for joint ownership of transmission facilities to help facilitate transmission development while keeping costs affordable for electricity customers (no legislation). Discussed S. 3947, the REWIRE Act, section 3, to provide categorical exclusions for transmission projects that increase grid capacity in existing rights-of-way by reconductoring, using grid enhancing technologies, and deploying energy storage, and section 4, to increase return on equity for reconductoring using advanced conductors. Provided feedback on draft transmission legislation to make changes to the Federal Power Act that would, among other things, expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions authority over public power utilities and increase costs for their customers. Discussed H.R. 7329, the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act, to amend the Energy Act of 2020, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline the leasing and permitting processes of federal agencies for certain energy and mineral projects, to clarify federal authorization requirements for certain projects on non-federal land, to establish enforceable federal authorization timelines and expedited judicial remedies, to limit federal actions halting fully permitted projects, to create a de-risking compensation program. Discussed the need for permitting reform efforts to be technology neutral (no bill). Discussed draft legislation, the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, to reduce permitting delays and create a more predictable environment for infrastructure development (all provisions). Discussed Light Up Navajo project to get electricity to unserved families of the Navajo Nation (no legislation). Discussed ongoing grid hardening activities by public power utilities and needed additional investments (no legislation). Discussed potential federal funding for critical infrastructure hardening. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact of supply chain issues on public power utilities (no legislation). Discussed the impact from data centers on electricity prices to customers in communities that dont have data centers (FERC Docket RM26-4). Discussed strategies to address the growing burden of transmission costs, including joint ownership and the elimination of transmission incentives. Discussed wholesale electricity market development efforts in the West. Discussed the public power business model and FERCs jurisdiction over public power utilities under the Federal Power Act.

Discussed the provisions the Senate version of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, to auction licenses in the 6 gigahertz (GHz) band and the potential impact it could have on public power utilities that rely on the 6 GHz band for critical utility communications. Discussed how House version of H.R. 1 did not include similar language.

Discussed concerns with third-party efforts to remove the Lower Snake River Dams and the importance of hydropower (no bill). Discussed President Trumps Executive Order, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, and APPAs support for efforts to improve interagency coordination on wildfires. Discussed support for H.R. 471/S. 1462, the Fix Our Forests Act, including section 204 in the House bill to provide categorical exclusions for vegetation management along power line rights-of-way on federal lands. Discussed support for H.R. 2492, the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 (all provisions). Discussed concerns with section 60062 in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provision to allow for faster review of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed H.R. 3637, the Locally Led Restoration Act of 2025, to allow public and private entities to enter into stewardship contracts with the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management if the goals of a project include the removal of vegetation and at least 10 percent of the vegetation proposed to be removed is salvage, meaning wildfire kill, beetle kill, and dead or dying organic material.

Discussed the public power business model. Discussed the role of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and the need for Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) protections that allow the ESCC to be operational. Discussed the importance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordinating the response to federal disasters and the restoration of electricity after such disasters. Discussed the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of the Department of Energy (DOE) as a partner in the mutual aid response given federal waivers and exemptions authority primarily resides in the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response within DOE. Discussed APPAs involvement with the Energy Threat Analysis Center. Discussed support for the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Act of 2015 (passed as Division N of P.L. 114-113) and provisions to maintain public power utilities inclusion in the definition of private entity in section 102(15)(B) and maintaining public power utilities inclusion in section 104(B) - Exemption from Disclosure. Discussed the importance of the Rural and Municipal Advanced Cybersecurity Grant Technical Assistance Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58) to help smaller public power utilities with their cybersecurity posture. Discussed concerns with proposed rescissions of funding for the RMUC Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58). Discussed how public power utilities are utilizing the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program to enhance grid reliability and affordability in their communities. Discussed APPA support for the GRIP Program and protecting obligated funds from potential rescissions (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 448, the Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers (CIRCUIT) Act to provide tax credits to the manufacturers of distribution transformers (all provisions). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower to the electric grid and reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed draft appropriations report language for DOE to study the feasibility of federal technical assistance and regional planning to meet local and regional energy goals. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed congressional oversight of the interconnection queue process (no legislation). Discussed the need for more flexibility for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and regional transmission organizations in prioritizing interconnection queues based on regional needs rather than resource attributes. Discussed H.R. 1047/S. 465, the GRID Power Act, to direct FERC to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (pre-introduction and post-introduction of legislation). Discussed draft legislation, the State Energy Accountability Act, to create a new Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) section 111(d) must-consider requirement to require state regulatory authorities that implement an intermittent energy policy to considering conducting and making public an evaluation of the policys impact on reliability, including during extreme weather, and affordability, among other impacts. Discussed draft legislation, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, to require utilities to establish sufficient reliable generation facilities to ensure the availability of electric energy over a 10-year period as part of integrated resource planning. Discussed the importance of maintaining grid reliability and resource adequacy issues. Also discussed the importance of electricity affordability for all customers (no legislation). Discussed public powers concerns about transmission affordability, including transmission incentives. Discussed FERCs concerns about resource adequacy and the results of recent capacity auctions. Discussed the importance of reliability, including coordination between the gas and electricity sectors. Discussed the impact of changing tariffs on supply chains for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority in providing affordable and reliable power to the Tennessee Valley.

Discussed support for H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act, to improve the permitting process for infrastructure projects under the Clean Water Act, the provision regarding nationwide permitting and the determination of the appropriate acreage threshold for discharges into WOTUS, and the provision regarding section 18 statutory exclusion from the regulatory definition of WOTUS for waste treatment systems. Discussed support for H.R. 161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed the proposed rulemaking to revise the definition of Waters of the United States and implementation changes. Also discussed ways to strengthen the proposal (Docket ID No.: EPA-OW-2025-0322; FRL 11132.1-01-OW).

Discussed support for H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act, to reform permitting processes under NEPA (all provisions). Discussed support of reforms to the Endangered Species Act that would change the definition of habitat (no legislation). Discussed how the Endangered Species Act impacts energy infrastructure projects (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 1897, the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2025 (all provisions). Discussed the importance of the Endangered Species Act for public power utilities and some of the challenges the statute creates (Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0039, FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0048, FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0029, and FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0044).

Discussed the public power business model. Discussed the role of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and the need for Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) protections that allow the ESCC to be operational. Discussed the importance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordinating the response to federal disasters and the restoration of electricity after such disasters. Discussed the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of the Department of Energy (DOE) as a partner in the mutual aid response given federal waivers and exemptions authority primarily resides in the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response within DOE. Discussed APPAs involvement with the Energy Threat Analysis Center. Discussed support for the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Act of 2015 (passed as Division N of P.L. 114-113) and provisions to maintain public power utilities inclusion in the definition of private entity in section 102(15)(B) and maintaining public power utilities inclusion in section 104(B) - Exemption from Disclosure. Discussed the importance of the Rural and Municipal Advanced Cybersecurity Grant Technical Assistance Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58) to help smaller public power utilities with their cybersecurity posture. Discussed concerns with proposed rescissions of funding for the RMUC Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58). Discussed how public power utilities are utilizing the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program to enhance grid reliability and affordability in their communities. Discussed APPA support for the GRIP Program and protecting obligated funds from potential rescissions (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 448, the Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers (CIRCUIT) Act to provide tax credits to the manufacturers of distribution transformers (all provisions). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower to the electric grid and reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed draft appropriations report language for DOE to study the feasibility of federal technical assistance and regional planning to meet local and regional energy goals. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed congressional oversight of the interconnection queue process (no legislation). Discussed the need for more flexibility for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and regional transmission organizations in prioritizing interconnection queues based on regional needs rather than resource attributes. Discussed H.R. 1047/S. 465, the GRID Power Act, to direct FERC to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (pre-introduction and post-introduction of legislation). Discussed draft legislation, the State Energy Accountability Act, to create a new Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) section 111(d) must-consider requirement to require state regulatory authorities that implement an intermittent energy policy to considering conducting and making public an evaluation of the policys impact on reliability, including during extreme weather, and affordability, among other impacts. Discussed draft legislation, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, to require utilities to establish sufficient reliable generation facilities to ensure the availability of electric energy over a 10-year period as part of integrated resource planning. Discussed the importance of maintaining grid reliability and resource adequacy issues. Also discussed the importance of electricity affordability for all customers (no legislation). Discussed public powers concerns about transmission affordability, including transmission incentives. Discussed FERCs concerns about resource adequacy and the results of recent capacity auctions. Discussed the importance of reliability, including coordination between the gas and electricity sectors. Discussed the impact of changing tariffs on supply chains for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority in providing affordable and reliable power to the Tennessee Valley.

Discussed concerns with third-party efforts to remove the Lower Snake River Dams and the importance of hydropower (no bill). Discussed President Trumps Executive Order, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, and APPAs support for efforts to improve interagency coordination on wildfires. Discussed support for H.R. 471/S. 1462, the Fix Our Forests Act, including section 204 in the House bill to provide categorical exclusions for vegetation management along power line rights-of-way on federal lands. Discussed support for H.R. 2492, the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 (all provisions). Discussed concerns with section 60062 in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provision to allow for faster review of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed H.R. 3637, the Locally Led Restoration Act of 2025, to allow public and private entities to enter into stewardship contracts with the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management if the goals of a project include the removal of vegetation and at least 10 percent of the vegetation proposed to be removed is salvage, meaning wildfire kill, beetle kill, and dead or dying organic material.

Discussed support for H.R. 2672, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (all provisions) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance. Discussed support for its reintroduction in the 119th Congress. Discussed support for H.R. 2836, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (all provisions) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance. Discussed the need for FEMA reform (no legislation). Provided feedback on draft legislation, the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act, including section 101, to replace existing section 406 cost-based grants with new Stafford Act section 409 estimate-based grants and section 301, expanding preapproved hazard mitigation lists to include public power. Also discussed section 117 on expedited funding for emergency work, section 118 to clarify the definition of local in constancy in procurement practices, and section 122 on loan interest payment relief. Discussed support for H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act (all provisions), including section 101 on rebuilding public infrastructure. Provided feedback on draft legislation to reform the Stafford Act to allow for better grid technology when rebuilding downed power lines after a disaster. Discussed the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program at FEMA, which provides funding to support eligible entities undertaking pre-disaster and hazard mitigation projects or capability and capacity building activities to reduce their risks from disasters and natural hazards.

Discussed support for H.R. 2672, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (all provisions) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance. Discussed support for its reintroduction in the 119th Congress. Discussed support for H.R. 2836, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (all provisions) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance. Discussed the need for FEMA reform (no legislation). Provided feedback on draft legislation, the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act, including section 101, to replace existing section 406 cost-based grants with new Stafford Act section 409 estimate-based grants and section 301, expanding preapproved hazard mitigation lists to include public power. Also discussed section 117 on expedited funding for emergency work, section 118 to clarify the definition of local in constancy in procurement practices, and section 122 on loan interest payment relief. Discussed support for H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act (all provisions), including section 101 on rebuilding public infrastructure. Provided feedback on draft legislation to reform the Stafford Act to allow for better grid technology when rebuilding downed power lines after a disaster. Discussed the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program at FEMA, which provides funding to support eligible entities undertaking pre-disaster and hazard mitigation projects or capability and capacity building activities to reduce their risks from disasters and natural hazards.

Discussed potential legislation regarding the Energy Threat Analysis Center and obstacles to increased public power participation. Discussed support for the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Act of 2015 (passed as Division N of P.L. 114-113) and provisions to maintain public power utilities inclusion in the definition of private entity in section 102(15)(B) and maintaining public power utilities inclusion in section 104(B) - Exemption from Disclosure. Discussed the urgent need for a replacement for the public disclosure exemptions that were provided under the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council to facilitate information sharing at Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council meetings (no legislation). Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for S. 1337, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Extension Act (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 5079, the Widespread Information Management for the Welfare of Infrastructure and Government Act (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed support of H.R. 3657, the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to report annually to Congress on the status of the relicensing process for each application for a renewed hydropower dam license. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, from the 118th Congress, which would have expanded the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities, and support for amendments 58 and 45 that would have exempted Federal Power Act section 201(f) entities from sections 401 and 402 of the legislation. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed grid-enhancing technologies (GETS) and interconnection queue reform. Also discussed the need to ensure savings related to GETS benefits public power utilities and their customers (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Provided feedback on a draft bill to create a new must consider provision under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act that would seek to create interconnection procedures to support microgrids. Discussed public powers concerns about transmission affordability, including transmission incentives. Discussed FERCs concerns about resource adequacy and the results of recent capacity auctions, including issues in Docket AD25-7. Discussed the importance of reliability, including coordination between the gas and electricity sectors. Discussed the North American Electric Reliability Corporations (NERC) electric reliability standards development procedures and the impact of FERC Order No. 907 (directing modifications to NERCs critical infrastructure protection standards) on the prioritization of NERCs standards development work. Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority in providing affordable and reliable power to the Tennessee Valley.

Discussed the public power business model. Discussed the role of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and the need for Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) protections that allow the ESCC to be operational. Discussed the importance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordinating the response to federal disasters and the restoration of electricity after such disasters. Discussed the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of the Department of Energy (DOE) as a partner in the mutual aid response given federal waivers and exemptions authority primarily resides in the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response within DOE. Discussed APPAs involvement with the Energy Threat Analysis Center. Discussed support for the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Act of 2015 (passed as Division N of P.L. 114-113) and provisions to maintain public power utilities inclusion in the definition of private entity in section 102(15)(B) and maintaining public power utilities inclusion in section 104(B) - Exemption from Disclosure. Discussed the importance of the Rural and Municipal Advanced Cybersecurity Grant Technical Assistance Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58) to help smaller public power utilities with their cybersecurity posture. Discussed concerns with proposed rescissions of funding for the RMUC Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58). Discussed how public power utilities are utilizing the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program to enhance grid reliability and affordability in their communities. Discussed APPA support for the GRIP Program and protecting obligated funds from potential rescissions (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 448, the Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers (CIRCUIT) Act to provide tax credits to the manufacturers of distribution transformers (all provisions). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower to the electric grid and reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed draft appropriations report language for DOE to study the feasibility of federal technical assistance and regional planning to meet local and regional energy goals. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed congressional oversight of the interconnection queue process (no legislation). Discussed the need for more flexibility for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and regional transmission organizations in prioritizing interconnection queues based on regional needs rather than resource attributes. Discussed H.R. 1047/S. 465, the GRID Power Act, to direct FERC to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (pre-introduction and post-introduction of legislation). Discussed draft legislation, the State Energy Accountability Act, to create a new Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) section 111(d) must-consider requirement to require state regulatory authorities that implement an intermittent energy policy to considering conducting and making public an evaluation of the policys impact on reliability, including during extreme weather, and affordability, among other impacts. Discussed draft legislation, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, to require utilities to establish sufficient reliable generation facilities to ensure the availability of electric energy over a 10-year period as part of integrated resource planning. Discussed the importance of maintaining grid reliability and resource adequacy issues. Also discussed the importance of electricity affordability for all customers (no legislation). Discussed public powers concerns about transmission affordability, including transmission incentives. Discussed FERCs concerns about resource adequacy and the results of recent capacity auctions. Discussed the importance of reliability, including coordination between the gas and electricity sectors. Discussed the impact of changing tariffs on supply chains for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority in providing affordable and reliable power to the Tennessee Valley.

Discussed how the model of shared responsibility for cybersecurity and resilience, which assigns each critical infrastructure sector a Sector-Risk Management Agency (SRMA) to work closely with on a day-to-day basis (while broadly coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) has and continues to be successful. Expressed support for the Department of Energy as the electric sectors SMRA. Discussed how the electric sector has strong mandatory and enforceable cyber and physical security standards, including cyber incident reporting, in place, and why cybersecurity standards and mandates must be risk-based. Discussed physical security and cybersecurity collaboration with the federal government. Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Also discussed extending the availability of existing funds and qualifications for awards. Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 3843, the Baseline Reliability Protection Act (all provisions), to prohibit retirements of baseload electric generating units in any area that is served by a Regional Transmission Organization or an Independent System Operator and that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation categorizes as at elevated risk or high risk of electricity supply shortfalls. Discussed resource adequacy issues and the importance of grid reliability (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, to prohibit states or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered (all provisions). Discussed how public power utilities, both transmission owners and transmission dependent, interact with FERC, participate in wholesale electricity markets, and other regional planning bodies (no legislation). Discussed the Department of Energys Speed to Power Initiative and the importance of resource adequacy for grid reliability. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation).

Discussed concerns with third-party efforts to remove the Lower Snake River Dams and the importance of hydropower (no bill). Discussed President Trumps Executive Order, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, and APPAs support for efforts to improve interagency coordination on wildfires. Discussed support for H.R. 471/S. 1462, the Fix Our Forests Act, including section 204 in the House bill to provide categorical exclusions for vegetation management along power line rights-of-way on federal lands. Discussed support for H.R. 2492, the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 (all provisions). Discussed concerns with section 60062 in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provision to allow for faster review of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed H.R. 3637, the Locally Led Restoration Act of 2025, to allow public and private entities to enter into stewardship contracts with the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management if the goals of a project include the removal of vegetation and at least 10 percent of the vegetation proposed to be removed is salvage, meaning wildfire kill, beetle kill, and dead or dying organic material.

Discussed how the model of shared responsibility for cybersecurity and resilience, which assigns each critical infrastructure sector a Sector-Risk Management Agency (SRMA) to work closely with on a day-to-day basis (while broadly coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) has and continues to be successful. Expressed support for the Department of Energy as the electric sectors SMRA. Discussed how the electric sector has strong mandatory and enforceable cyber and physical security standards, including cyber incident reporting, in place, and why cybersecurity standards and mandates must be risk-based. Discussed physical security and cybersecurity collaboration with the federal government. Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Also discussed extending the availability of existing funds and qualifications for awards. Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 3843, the Baseline Reliability Protection Act (all provisions), to prohibit retirements of baseload electric generating units in any area that is served by a Regional Transmission Organization or an Independent System Operator and that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation categorizes as at elevated risk or high risk of electricity supply shortfalls. Discussed resource adequacy issues and the importance of grid reliability (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, to prohibit states or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered (all provisions). Discussed how public power utilities, both transmission owners and transmission dependent, interact with FERC, participate in wholesale electricity markets, and other regional planning bodies (no legislation). Discussed the Department of Energys Speed to Power Initiative and the importance of resource adequacy for grid reliability. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation).

Discussed how the model of shared responsibility for cybersecurity and resilience, which assigns each critical infrastructure sector a Sector-Risk Management Agency (SRMA) to work closely with on a day-to-day basis (while broadly coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) has and continues to be successful. Expressed support for the Department of Energy as the electric sectors SMRA. Discussed how the electric sector has strong mandatory and enforceable cyber and physical security standards, including cyber incident reporting, in place, and why cybersecurity standards and mandates must be risk-based. Discussed physical security and cybersecurity collaboration with the federal government. Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Also discussed extending the availability of existing funds and qualifications for awards. Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 3843, the Baseline Reliability Protection Act (all provisions), to prohibit retirements of baseload electric generating units in any area that is served by a Regional Transmission Organization or an Independent System Operator and that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation categorizes as at elevated risk or high risk of electricity supply shortfalls. Discussed resource adequacy issues and the importance of grid reliability (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, to prohibit states or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered (all provisions). Discussed how public power utilities, both transmission owners and transmission dependent, interact with FERC, participate in wholesale electricity markets, and other regional planning bodies (no legislation). Discussed the Department of Energys Speed to Power Initiative and the importance of resource adequacy for grid reliability. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation).

Discussed general support for the repeal of the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standard (Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0124). Discussed the potential reliability impacts from the rule, as well impracticality of using carbon capture and storage technology to reduce emissions given the current state of the technology. Discussed concerns with the 2024 Effluent Limitation Guidelines Rule and the costs of various waterwater treatment technologies required to comply with the rule (Docket No. EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0819). Discussed the administrations plans to reconsider the rule and the challenges with meeting the compliance deadlines in the 2024 rule. Discussed and provided feedback on draft legislation to amend the Clean Water Act to improve the federal permitting process. Discussed support for H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act, to improve the permitting process for infrastructure projects under the Clean Water Act, provision regarding nationwide permitting and the determination of the appropriate acreage threshold for discharges into WOTUS, and provision regarding section 18 statutory exclusion from the regulatory definition of WOTUS for waste treatment systems. Also discussed section 6, clarifying federal general permits, and section 15, judicial review timelines clarity. Discussed proposal by the Army Corps of Engineers to reissue or modify the 2021 Nationwide Permits (NWPs) under section 404 of the Clean Water Act and section 10 of the Rivers and Harbor Act of 1899. Discussed the need to quickly issue and finalize an NWP rulemaking to assist energy infrastructure projects (DOE/COE; RIN 0710-AB56).

Discussed support for H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act, to improve the permitting process for infrastructure projects under the Clean Water Act, the provision regarding nationwide permitting and the determination of the appropriate acreage threshold for discharges into WOTUS, and the provision regarding section 18 statutory exclusion from the regulatory definition of WOTUS for waste treatment systems. Discussed support for H.R. 161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed the proposed rulemaking to revise the definition of Waters of the United States and implementation changes. Also discussed ways to strengthen the proposal (Docket ID No.: EPA-OW-2025-0322; FRL 11132.1-01-OW).

Discussed how the model of shared responsibility for cybersecurity and resilience, which assigns each critical infrastructure sector a Sector-Risk Management Agency (SRMA) to work closely with on a day-to-day basis (while broadly coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) has and continues to be successful. Expressed support for the Department of Energy as the electric sectors SMRA. Discussed how the electric sector has strong mandatory and enforceable cyber and physical security standards, including cyber incident reporting, in place, and why cybersecurity standards and mandates must be risk-based. Discussed physical security and cybersecurity collaboration with the federal government. Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Also discussed extending the availability of existing funds and qualifications for awards. Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 3843, the Baseline Reliability Protection Act (all provisions), to prohibit retirements of baseload electric generating units in any area that is served by a Regional Transmission Organization or an Independent System Operator and that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation categorizes as at elevated risk or high risk of electricity supply shortfalls. Discussed resource adequacy issues and the importance of grid reliability (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, to prohibit states or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered (all provisions). Discussed how public power utilities, both transmission owners and transmission dependent, interact with FERC, participate in wholesale electricity markets, and other regional planning bodies (no legislation). Discussed the Department of Energys Speed to Power Initiative and the importance of resource adequacy for grid reliability. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation).

Discussed the public power business model. Discussed the role of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and the need for Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) protections that allow the ESCC to be operational. Discussed the importance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordinating the response to federal disasters and the restoration of electricity after such disasters. Discussed the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of the Department of Energy (DOE) as a partner in the mutual aid response given federal waivers and exemptions authority primarily resides in the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response within DOE. Discussed APPAs involvement with the Energy Threat Analysis Center. Discussed support for the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Act of 2015 (passed as Division N of P.L. 114-113) and provisions to maintain public power utilities inclusion in the definition of private entity in section 102(15)(B) and maintaining public power utilities inclusion in section 104(B) - Exemption from Disclosure. Discussed the importance of the Rural and Municipal Advanced Cybersecurity Grant Technical Assistance Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58) to help smaller public power utilities with their cybersecurity posture. Discussed concerns with proposed rescissions of funding for the RMUC Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58). Discussed how public power utilities are utilizing the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program to enhance grid reliability and affordability in their communities. Discussed APPA support for the GRIP Program and protecting obligated funds from potential rescissions (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 448, the Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers (CIRCUIT) Act to provide tax credits to the manufacturers of distribution transformers (all provisions). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower to the electric grid and reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed draft appropriations report language for DOE to study the feasibility of federal technical assistance and regional planning to meet local and regional energy goals. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed congressional oversight of the interconnection queue process (no legislation). Discussed the need for more flexibility for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and regional transmission organizations in prioritizing interconnection queues based on regional needs rather than resource attributes. Discussed H.R. 1047/S. 465, the GRID Power Act, to direct FERC to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (pre-introduction and post-introduction of legislation). Discussed draft legislation, the State Energy Accountability Act, to create a new Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) section 111(d) must-consider requirement to require state regulatory authorities that implement an intermittent energy policy to considering conducting and making public an evaluation of the policys impact on reliability, including during extreme weather, and affordability, among other impacts. Discussed draft legislation, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, to require utilities to establish sufficient reliable generation facilities to ensure the availability of electric energy over a 10-year period as part of integrated resource planning. Discussed the importance of maintaining grid reliability and resource adequacy issues. Also discussed the importance of electricity affordability for all customers (no legislation). Discussed public powers concerns about transmission affordability, including transmission incentives. Discussed FERCs concerns about resource adequacy and the results of recent capacity auctions. Discussed the importance of reliability, including coordination between the gas and electricity sectors. Discussed the impact of changing tariffs on supply chains for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority in providing affordable and reliable power to the Tennessee Valley.

Discussed support for H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act (all provisions), including section 101 on rebuilding public infrastructure. Discussed support for amending the definition of building codes as used in determining eligible permanent work under proposed section 409 to include electric power utility standards in H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act. Discussed concerns with possible changes to the Stafford Act to allow the recoupment of recovery costs. Discussed the impact to public power utilities of Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant cancellations.

Discussed support for H.R. 2672, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (all provisions) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance. Discussed support for its reintroduction in the 119th Congress. Discussed support for H.R. 2836, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (all provisions) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance. Discussed the need for FEMA reform (no legislation). Provided feedback on draft legislation, the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act, including section 101, to replace existing section 406 cost-based grants with new Stafford Act section 409 estimate-based grants and section 301, expanding preapproved hazard mitigation lists to include public power. Also discussed section 117 on expedited funding for emergency work, section 118 to clarify the definition of local in constancy in procurement practices, and section 122 on loan interest payment relief. Discussed support for H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act (all provisions), including section 101 on rebuilding public infrastructure. Provided feedback on draft legislation to reform the Stafford Act to allow for better grid technology when rebuilding downed power lines after a disaster. Discussed the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program at FEMA, which provides funding to support eligible entities undertaking pre-disaster and hazard mitigation projects or capability and capacity building activities to reduce their risks from disasters and natural hazards.

Discussed concerns with third-party efforts to remove the Lower Snake River Dams and the importance of hydropower (no bill). Discussed President Trumps Executive Order, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, and APPAs support for efforts to improve interagency coordination on wildfires. Discussed support for H.R. 471/S. 1462, the Fix Our Forests Act, including section 204 in the House bill to provide categorical exclusions for vegetation management along power line rights-of-way on federal lands. Discussed support for H.R. 2492, the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 (all provisions). Discussed concerns with section 60062 in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provision to allow for faster review of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed H.R. 3637, the Locally Led Restoration Act of 2025, to allow public and private entities to enter into stewardship contracts with the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management if the goals of a project include the removal of vegetation and at least 10 percent of the vegetation proposed to be removed is salvage, meaning wildfire kill, beetle kill, and dead or dying organic material.

Discussed support for H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act, to reform permitting processes under NEPA (all provisions). Discussed support of reforms to the Endangered Species Act that would change the definition of habitat (no legislation). Discussed how the Endangered Species Act impacts energy infrastructure projects (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 1897, the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2025 (all provisions). Discussed the importance of the Endangered Species Act for public power utilities and some of the challenges the statute creates (Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0039, FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0048, FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0029, and FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0044).

Discussed how the model of shared responsibility for cybersecurity and resilience, which assigns each critical infrastructure sector a Sector-Risk Management Agency (SRMA) to work closely with on a day-to-day basis (while broadly coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) has and continues to be successful. Expressed support for the Department of Energy as the electric sectors SMRA. Discussed how the electric sector has strong mandatory and enforceable cyber and physical security standards, including cyber incident reporting, in place, and why cybersecurity standards and mandates must be risk-based. Discussed physical security and cybersecurity collaboration with the federal government. Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Also discussed extending the availability of existing funds and qualifications for awards. Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 3843, the Baseline Reliability Protection Act (all provisions), to prohibit retirements of baseload electric generating units in any area that is served by a Regional Transmission Organization or an Independent System Operator and that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation categorizes as at elevated risk or high risk of electricity supply shortfalls. Discussed resource adequacy issues and the importance of grid reliability (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, to prohibit states or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered (all provisions). Discussed how public power utilities, both transmission owners and transmission dependent, interact with FERC, participate in wholesale electricity markets, and other regional planning bodies (no legislation). Discussed the Department of Energys Speed to Power Initiative and the importance of resource adequacy for grid reliability. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation).

Discussed the public power business model. Discussed the role of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and the need for Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) protections that allow the ESCC to be operational. Discussed the importance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordinating the response to federal disasters and the restoration of electricity after such disasters. Discussed the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of the Department of Energy (DOE) as a partner in the mutual aid response given federal waivers and exemptions authority primarily resides in the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response within DOE. Discussed APPAs involvement with the Energy Threat Analysis Center. Discussed support for the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Act of 2015 (passed as Division N of P.L. 114-113) and provisions to maintain public power utilities inclusion in the definition of private entity in section 102(15)(B) and maintaining public power utilities inclusion in section 104(B) - Exemption from Disclosure. Discussed the importance of the Rural and Municipal Advanced Cybersecurity Grant Technical Assistance Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58) to help smaller public power utilities with their cybersecurity posture. Discussed concerns with proposed rescissions of funding for the RMUC Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58). Discussed how public power utilities are utilizing the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program to enhance grid reliability and affordability in their communities. Discussed APPA support for the GRIP Program and protecting obligated funds from potential rescissions (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 448, the Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers (CIRCUIT) Act to provide tax credits to the manufacturers of distribution transformers (all provisions). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower to the electric grid and reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed draft appropriations report language for DOE to study the feasibility of federal technical assistance and regional planning to meet local and regional energy goals. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed congressional oversight of the interconnection queue process (no legislation). Discussed the need for more flexibility for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and regional transmission organizations in prioritizing interconnection queues based on regional needs rather than resource attributes. Discussed H.R. 1047/S. 465, the GRID Power Act, to direct FERC to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (pre-introduction and post-introduction of legislation). Discussed draft legislation, the State Energy Accountability Act, to create a new Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) section 111(d) must-consider requirement to require state regulatory authorities that implement an intermittent energy policy to considering conducting and making public an evaluation of the policys impact on reliability, including during extreme weather, and affordability, among other impacts. Discussed draft legislation, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, to require utilities to establish sufficient reliable generation facilities to ensure the availability of electric energy over a 10-year period as part of integrated resource planning. Discussed the importance of maintaining grid reliability and resource adequacy issues. Also discussed the importance of electricity affordability for all customers (no legislation). Discussed public powers concerns about transmission affordability, including transmission incentives. Discussed FERCs concerns about resource adequacy and the results of recent capacity auctions. Discussed the importance of reliability, including coordination between the gas and electricity sectors. Discussed the impact of changing tariffs on supply chains for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority in providing affordable and reliable power to the Tennessee Valley.

Discussed concerns with third-party efforts to remove the Lower Snake River Dams and the importance of hydropower (no bill). Discussed President Trumps Executive Order, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, and APPAs support for efforts to improve interagency coordination on wildfires. Discussed support for H.R. 471/S. 1462, the Fix Our Forests Act, including section 204 in the House bill to provide categorical exclusions for vegetation management along power line rights-of-way on federal lands. Discussed support for H.R. 2492, the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 (all provisions). Discussed concerns with section 60062 in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provision to allow for faster review of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed H.R. 3637, the Locally Led Restoration Act of 2025, to allow public and private entities to enter into stewardship contracts with the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management if the goals of a project include the removal of vegetation and at least 10 percent of the vegetation proposed to be removed is salvage, meaning wildfire kill, beetle kill, and dead or dying organic material.

Discussed how the model of shared responsibility for cybersecurity and resilience, which assigns each critical infrastructure sector a Sector-Risk Management Agency (SRMA) to work closely with on a day-to-day basis (while broadly coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) has and continues to be successful. Expressed support for the Department of Energy as the electric sectors SMRA. Discussed how the electric sector has strong mandatory and enforceable cyber and physical security standards, including cyber incident reporting, in place, and why cybersecurity standards and mandates must be risk-based. Discussed physical security and cybersecurity collaboration with the federal government. Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Also discussed extending the availability of existing funds and qualifications for awards. Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 3843, the Baseline Reliability Protection Act (all provisions), to prohibit retirements of baseload electric generating units in any area that is served by a Regional Transmission Organization or an Independent System Operator and that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation categorizes as at elevated risk or high risk of electricity supply shortfalls. Discussed resource adequacy issues and the importance of grid reliability (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, to prohibit states or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered (all provisions). Discussed how public power utilities, both transmission owners and transmission dependent, interact with FERC, participate in wholesale electricity markets, and other regional planning bodies (no legislation). Discussed the Department of Energys Speed to Power Initiative and the importance of resource adequacy for grid reliability. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation).

Discussed the public power business model. Discussed the role of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and the need for Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) protections that allow the ESCC to be operational. Discussed the importance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordinating the response to federal disasters and the restoration of electricity after such disasters. Discussed the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of the Department of Energy (DOE) as a partner in the mutual aid response given federal waivers and exemptions authority primarily resides in the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response within DOE. Discussed APPAs involvement with the Energy Threat Analysis Center. Discussed support for the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Act of 2015 (passed as Division N of P.L. 114-113) and provisions to maintain public power utilities inclusion in the definition of private entity in section 102(15)(B) and maintaining public power utilities inclusion in section 104(B) - Exemption from Disclosure. Discussed the importance of the Rural and Municipal Advanced Cybersecurity Grant Technical Assistance Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58) to help smaller public power utilities with their cybersecurity posture. Discussed concerns with proposed rescissions of funding for the RMUC Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58). Discussed how public power utilities are utilizing the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program to enhance grid reliability and affordability in their communities. Discussed APPA support for the GRIP Program and protecting obligated funds from potential rescissions (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 448, the Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers (CIRCUIT) Act to provide tax credits to the manufacturers of distribution transformers (all provisions). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower to the electric grid and reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed draft appropriations report language for DOE to study the feasibility of federal technical assistance and regional planning to meet local and regional energy goals. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed congressional oversight of the interconnection queue process (no legislation). Discussed the need for more flexibility for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and regional transmission organizations in prioritizing interconnection queues based on regional needs rather than resource attributes. Discussed H.R. 1047/S. 465, the GRID Power Act, to direct FERC to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (pre-introduction and post-introduction of legislation). Discussed draft legislation, the State Energy Accountability Act, to create a new Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) section 111(d) must-consider requirement to require state regulatory authorities that implement an intermittent energy policy to considering conducting and making public an evaluation of the policys impact on reliability, including during extreme weather, and affordability, among other impacts. Discussed draft legislation, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, to require utilities to establish sufficient reliable generation facilities to ensure the availability of electric energy over a 10-year period as part of integrated resource planning. Discussed the importance of maintaining grid reliability and resource adequacy issues. Also discussed the importance of electricity affordability for all customers (no legislation). Discussed public powers concerns about transmission affordability, including transmission incentives. Discussed FERCs concerns about resource adequacy and the results of recent capacity auctions. Discussed the importance of reliability, including coordination between the gas and electricity sectors. Discussed the impact of changing tariffs on supply chains for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority in providing affordable and reliable power to the Tennessee Valley.

Discussed the public power business model. Discussed the role of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and the need for Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) protections that allow the ESCC to be operational. Discussed the importance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordinating the response to federal disasters and the restoration of electricity after such disasters. Discussed the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of the Department of Energy (DOE) as a partner in the mutual aid response given federal waivers and exemptions authority primarily resides in the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response within DOE. Discussed APPAs involvement with the Energy Threat Analysis Center. Discussed support for the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Act of 2015 (passed as Division N of P.L. 114-113) and provisions to maintain public power utilities inclusion in the definition of private entity in section 102(15)(B) and maintaining public power utilities inclusion in section 104(B) - Exemption from Disclosure. Discussed the importance of the Rural and Municipal Advanced Cybersecurity Grant Technical Assistance Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58) to help smaller public power utilities with their cybersecurity posture. Discussed concerns with proposed rescissions of funding for the RMUC Program (section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58). Discussed how public power utilities are utilizing the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program to enhance grid reliability and affordability in their communities. Discussed APPA support for the GRIP Program and protecting obligated funds from potential rescissions (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 448, the Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers (CIRCUIT) Act to provide tax credits to the manufacturers of distribution transformers (all provisions). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower to the electric grid and reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed draft appropriations report language for DOE to study the feasibility of federal technical assistance and regional planning to meet local and regional energy goals. Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed congressional oversight of the interconnection queue process (no legislation). Discussed the need for more flexibility for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and regional transmission organizations in prioritizing interconnection queues based on regional needs rather than resource attributes. Discussed H.R. 1047/S. 465, the GRID Power Act, to direct FERC to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (pre-introduction and post-introduction of legislation). Discussed draft legislation, the State Energy Accountability Act, to create a new Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) section 111(d) must-consider requirement to require state regulatory authorities that implement an intermittent energy policy to considering conducting and making public an evaluation of the policys impact on reliability, including during extreme weather, and affordability, among other impacts. Discussed draft legislation, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, to require utilities to establish sufficient reliable generation facilities to ensure the availability of electric energy over a 10-year period as part of integrated resource planning. Discussed the importance of maintaining grid reliability and resource adequacy issues. Also discussed the importance of electricity affordability for all customers (no legislation). Discussed public powers concerns about transmission affordability, including transmission incentives. Discussed FERCs concerns about resource adequacy and the results of recent capacity auctions. Discussed the importance of reliability, including coordination between the gas and electricity sectors. Discussed the impact of changing tariffs on supply chains for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority in providing affordable and reliable power to the Tennessee Valley.

Discussed how the model of shared responsibility for cybersecurity and resilience, which assigns each critical infrastructure sector a Sector-Risk Management Agency (SRMA) to work closely with on a day-to-day basis (while broadly coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) has and continues to be successful. Expressed support for the Department of Energy as the electric sectors SMRA. Discussed how the electric sector has strong mandatory and enforceable cyber and physical security standards, including cyber incident reporting, in place, and why cybersecurity standards and mandates must be risk-based. Discussed physical security and cybersecurity collaboration with the federal government. Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Also discussed extending the availability of existing funds and qualifications for awards. Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 3843, the Baseline Reliability Protection Act (all provisions), to prohibit retirements of baseload electric generating units in any area that is served by a Regional Transmission Organization or an Independent System Operator and that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation categorizes as at elevated risk or high risk of electricity supply shortfalls. Discussed resource adequacy issues and the importance of grid reliability (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, to prohibit states or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered (all provisions). Discussed how public power utilities, both transmission owners and transmission dependent, interact with FERC, participate in wholesale electricity markets, and other regional planning bodies (no legislation). Discussed the Department of Energys Speed to Power Initiative and the importance of resource adequacy for grid reliability. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation).

Discussed potential legislation regarding the Energy Threat Analysis Center and obstacles to increased public power participation. Discussed support for the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Act of 2015 (passed as Division N of P.L. 114-113) and provisions to maintain public power utilities inclusion in the definition of private entity in section 102(15)(B) and maintaining public power utilities inclusion in section 104(B) - Exemption from Disclosure. Discussed the urgent need for a replacement for the public disclosure exemptions that were provided under the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council to facilitate information sharing at Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council meetings (no legislation). Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed support for S. 1337, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Extension Act (all provisions). Discussed support for H.R. 5079, the Widespread Information Management for the Welfare of Infrastructure and Government Act (all provisions). Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed support of H.R. 3657, the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to report annually to Congress on the status of the relicensing process for each application for a renewed hydropower dam license. Discussed support for H.R. 2160/S. 1183, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, to establish tax credits environmental and safety upgrades at non-federal hydropower projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, from the 118th Congress, which would have expanded the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities, and support for amendments 58 and 45 that would have exempted Federal Power Act section 201(f) entities from sections 401 and 402 of the legislation. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed grid-enhancing technologies (GETS) and interconnection queue reform. Also discussed the need to ensure savings related to GETS benefits public power utilities and their customers (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give FERC the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Provided feedback on a draft bill to create a new must consider provision under section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act that would seek to create interconnection procedures to support microgrids. Discussed public powers concerns about transmission affordability, including transmission incentives. Discussed FERCs concerns about resource adequacy and the results of recent capacity auctions, including issues in Docket AD25-7. Discussed the importance of reliability, including coordination between the gas and electricity sectors. Discussed the North American Electric Reliability Corporations (NERC) electric reliability standards development procedures and the impact of FERC Order No. 907 (directing modifications to NERCs critical infrastructure protection standards) on the prioritization of NERCs standards development work. Discussed the importance of the Tennessee Valley Authority in providing affordable and reliable power to the Tennessee Valley.

Discussed how the model of shared responsibility for cybersecurity and resilience, which assigns each critical infrastructure sector a Sector-Risk Management Agency (SRMA) to work closely with on a day-to-day basis (while broadly coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) has and continues to be successful. Expressed support for the Department of Energy as the electric sectors SMRA. Discussed how the electric sector has strong mandatory and enforceable cyber and physical security standards, including cyber incident reporting, in place, and why cybersecurity standards and mandates must be risk-based. Discussed physical security and cybersecurity collaboration with the federal government. Discussed CISAs work to implement the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (passed as Division Y of P.L. 117-103) - provisions regarding the scope of the rulemaking and harmonization of cyber incident reporting with other reporting mandates. Discussed concerns with the creation of additional cyber incident reporting requirements for electric utilities (no legislation). Discussed support for reauthorizing the Rural and Municipal Utility Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program as authorized in section 40124 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Also discussed extending the availability of existing funds and qualifications for awards. Discussed support for reintroduction of H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act in the 119th Congress (all provisions). Discussed general APPA support for hydropower licensing and relicensing reform, including amending section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 USC ch. 12) to limit mandatory conditions and fishway prescriptions and section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58) to extend trial-type hearing rights to alternative conditions under section 33 of the Federal Power Act (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3518, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act of 2025, to amend the Federal Power Act to address certain alterations in, and the maintenance and repair of, project works, to provide for the licensing of micro hydrokinetic energy projects (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform, including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental statutes, to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet rising electricity demand (no legislation). Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities. Discussed general support for legislation that would remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 7786, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), from the 118th Congress, to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed concerns with H.R. 5600, the SPEED & Reliability Act (all provisions), to remove duplicative NEPA requirements for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation and siting processes. Discussed support for H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to determine and mitigate the significant reliability impacts of major federal regulations (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 3843, the Baseline Reliability Protection Act (all provisions), to prohibit retirements of baseload electric generating units in any area that is served by a Regional Transmission Organization or an Independent System Operator and that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation categorizes as at elevated risk or high risk of electricity supply shortfalls. Discussed resource adequacy issues and the importance of grid reliability (no legislation). Discussed H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, to prohibit states or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered (all provisions). Discussed how public power utilities, both transmission owners and transmission dependent, interact with FERC, participate in wholesale electricity markets, and other regional planning bodies (no legislation). Discussed the Department of Energys Speed to Power Initiative and the importance of resource adequacy for grid reliability. Discussed the impact tariffs are having on public power utilities (no legislation).

Discussed the importance of elective pay refundable energy tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act (Pub. Law 117-169) for public power investments in clean energy technologies to address climate change. Discussed section 242 of H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, that would repeal the taxpayer election of payments, in lieu of credits, for specified energy property and production of electricity from certain renewable resources. Discussion of concerns with implementation of the domestic content requirements necessary to access elective pay provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (Pub. Law 117-169, sections 13101(g)(2), 13102(l), 13701, and 13702). Discussed Treasury guidance relating to utility assistance use of funding under section 5001 of the CARES Act (Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds) as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020. Discussed support for H.R. 1837, the Investing in Our Communities Act to reinstate the ability to issue tax-exempt advance refunding bonds (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 1453, the Lifting Our Communities through Advance Liquidity for Infrastructure Act (LOCAL Infrastructure Act), to reinstate the ability to issue tax-exempt advance refunding bonds (all provisions). Discussed support for potential legislation to increase the small-issuer exception from $10 million to $30 million. Discussed concerns with Proposed Rule: Section 45V Credit for Production of Clean Hydrogen; Section 48(a)(15) Election to Treat Clean Hydrogen Production Facilities as Energy Property (88 FR 8920, REG-117631-23 (additionality requirements for clean power used to generate hydrogen).

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed concerns with the DOEs proposed energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they would worsen the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed support for S. 3627, the Distribution Transformer Efficiency and Supply Chain Reliability Act of 2024 (all provisions). Discussed the need for the FAQS for the Fiscal Years 2022-2023 Funding Cycle for the Department of Energy's Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107) to be clarified regarding eligibility for joint action agencies. Discussed support for DOE's GRIP Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed ways to improve DOE outreach to smaller and rural utilities. Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6185, the Guaranteeing Reliable Infrastructure Development (GRID) Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed making transmission investment tax credits refundable in CETA, direct pay tax credits. Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed concerns with amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues across the U.S. Discussed the development of Western markets. Discussed President Bidens Executive Order to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). Discussed the potential use of AI by electric utilities. Discussed the National Cyber Incident Response Plan. Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Also discussed concerns with how the federal permitting process is slowing the ability of NTUA and volunteers to connect additional Navajo Nation homes to the electric grid.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed DOEs final energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they were improved from proposed standards. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement the requirements of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (Docket Number: CISA-2022-0010) and the need to avoid duplicative reporting requirements. Discussed support for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program under Subtitle D, sec. 11401 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-58). Discussed support for the Department of Energy Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower as a source of renewable energy for public power utilities. Discussed the importance of hydropower for grid reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994/H.R. 6653, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed S. 4027/H.R. 7786, the SPEED and Reliability Act of 2024 (section (2)(a)(D)), on the exemption of a facility as in the national interest from review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed concerns with overly stringent Build America/Buy America standards in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) and the impact those standards have on public power utilities ability to complete grant-funded projects. Discussed the need to increase product and asset availability, price transparency, accountability, and coordination between the natural gas and electric industries to ensure electric reliability (no legislation). Discussed how FERCs Order 1920 (Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17)) was a missed opportunity to deal with cost allocation issues and joint ownership of transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues. Discussed Western markets. Discussed FERCs practice and procedure and generator interconnection issues, including implementation of Order 2023 (Docket No. RM22-14). Discussed power market mitigation for institutional investors (Docket No. AD24-60). Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Discussed S. 4171, the Making Pipelines Accountable to Consumers Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 3820, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act (sections 2(b) and 2(g). Discussed the White Houses 150 Comeback Communities and public power utilities can better leverage programs and policies included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed possible funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) to assist manufacturers of distribution transformers in increasing their production (no legislation). Discussed the patchwork of cyber incident reporting requirements and concerns about harmonization, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agencys implementation of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CISA-2022-0010). Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994/H.R. 6653, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed concerns with Form EIA-112, Residential Utility Disconnections Survey. Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities, and support for amendments 58 and 45 that would exempt Federal Power Act section 201(f) entities from sections 401 and 402 of the legislation. Provided feedback on draft legislation, the Rural Grid Resilience Act, to promote microgrids and grid resilience in rural communities. Discussed the price spike in PJMs 2024 Base Residual Auction and efforts by stakeholders to postpone PJMs 2025 Base Residual Auction. Discussed how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions (FERC) regulations impact public power communities despite most public power utilities not being subject to FERC ratemaking regulation. Discussed concerns with transmission affordability and rising transmission costs, and support for policies, such as joint ownership and eliminating unnecessary incentives, that would reduce transmission costs. Discussed concerns regarding the long lead times to interconnect new generation resources, and support for policies that prioritize interconnection for load-serving entities.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed concerns with the DOEs proposed energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they would worsen the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed support for S. 3627, the Distribution Transformer Efficiency and Supply Chain Reliability Act of 2024 (all provisions). Discussed the need for the FAQS for the Fiscal Years 2022-2023 Funding Cycle for the Department of Energy's Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107) to be clarified regarding eligibility for joint action agencies. Discussed support for DOE's GRIP Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed ways to improve DOE outreach to smaller and rural utilities. Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6185, the Guaranteeing Reliable Infrastructure Development (GRID) Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed making transmission investment tax credits refundable in CETA, direct pay tax credits. Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed concerns with amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues across the U.S. Discussed the development of Western markets. Discussed President Bidens Executive Order to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). Discussed the potential use of AI by electric utilities. Discussed the National Cyber Incident Response Plan. Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Also discussed concerns with how the federal permitting process is slowing the ability of NTUA and volunteers to connect additional Navajo Nation homes to the electric grid.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed DOEs final energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they were improved from proposed standards. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement the requirements of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (Docket Number: CISA-2022-0010) and the need to avoid duplicative reporting requirements. Discussed support for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program under Subtitle D, sec. 11401 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-58). Discussed support for the Department of Energy Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower as a source of renewable energy for public power utilities. Discussed the importance of hydropower for grid reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994/H.R. 6653, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed S. 4027/H.R. 7786, the SPEED and Reliability Act of 2024 (section (2)(a)(D)), on the exemption of a facility as in the national interest from review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed concerns with overly stringent Build America/Buy America standards in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) and the impact those standards have on public power utilities ability to complete grant-funded projects. Discussed the need to increase product and asset availability, price transparency, accountability, and coordination between the natural gas and electric industries to ensure electric reliability (no legislation). Discussed how FERCs Order 1920 (Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17)) was a missed opportunity to deal with cost allocation issues and joint ownership of transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues. Discussed Western markets. Discussed FERCs practice and procedure and generator interconnection issues, including implementation of Order 2023 (Docket No. RM22-14). Discussed power market mitigation for institutional investors (Docket No. AD24-60). Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Discussed S. 4171, the Making Pipelines Accountable to Consumers Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 3820, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act (sections 2(b) and 2(g). Discussed the White Houses 150 Comeback Communities and public power utilities can better leverage programs and policies included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed DOEs final energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they were improved from proposed standards. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement the requirements of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (Docket Number: CISA-2022-0010) and the need to avoid duplicative reporting requirements. Discussed support for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program under Subtitle D, sec. 11401 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-58). Discussed support for the Department of Energy Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower as a source of renewable energy for public power utilities. Discussed the importance of hydropower for grid reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994/H.R. 6653, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed S. 4027/H.R. 7786, the SPEED and Reliability Act of 2024 (section (2)(a)(D)), on the exemption of a facility as in the national interest from review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed concerns with overly stringent Build America/Buy America standards in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) and the impact those standards have on public power utilities ability to complete grant-funded projects. Discussed the need to increase product and asset availability, price transparency, accountability, and coordination between the natural gas and electric industries to ensure electric reliability (no legislation). Discussed how FERCs Order 1920 (Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17)) was a missed opportunity to deal with cost allocation issues and joint ownership of transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues. Discussed Western markets. Discussed FERCs practice and procedure and generator interconnection issues, including implementation of Order 2023 (Docket No. RM22-14). Discussed power market mitigation for institutional investors (Docket No. AD24-60). Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Discussed S. 4171, the Making Pipelines Accountable to Consumers Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 3820, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act (sections 2(b) and 2(g). Discussed the White Houses 150 Comeback Communities and public power utilities can better leverage programs and policies included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed concerns with the DOEs proposed energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they would worsen the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed support for S. 3627, the Distribution Transformer Efficiency and Supply Chain Reliability Act of 2024 (all provisions). Discussed the need for the FAQS for the Fiscal Years 2022-2023 Funding Cycle for the Department of Energy's Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107) to be clarified regarding eligibility for joint action agencies. Discussed support for DOE's GRIP Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed ways to improve DOE outreach to smaller and rural utilities. Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6185, the Guaranteeing Reliable Infrastructure Development (GRID) Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed making transmission investment tax credits refundable in CETA, direct pay tax credits. Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed concerns with amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues across the U.S. Discussed the development of Western markets. Discussed President Bidens Executive Order to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). Discussed the potential use of AI by electric utilities. Discussed the National Cyber Incident Response Plan. Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Also discussed concerns with how the federal permitting process is slowing the ability of NTUA and volunteers to connect additional Navajo Nation homes to the electric grid.

Discussed the importance of elective pay refundable energy tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act (Pub. Law 117-169) for public power investments in clean energy technologies to address climate change. Discussed concerns with implementation of the domestic content requirements necessary to access elective pay provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (Pub. Law 117-169, sections 13101(g)(2), 13102(l), 13701, and 13702). Discussed the likelihood of legislation to amend the tax treatment of municipal bonds. Discussed implementation of 26 USC 45U, the existing nuclear tax credit. Discussed support for direct pay of the nuclear investment tax credit (P.L. 117-169, sec. 13105). Discussed support for adding direct pay to S. 1793/H.R. 5803, the Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act. Discussed possible changes to the three-year limit on customized commercial contracts under 16 CFR 1.141-7(f)(3) - private use rules for output facilities financed with tax-exempt bonds.

Discussed concerns with third-party efforts to remove the Lower Snake River Dams and the importance of hydropower (no bill). Discussed concerns with sections 121(a) and 121(c) of H.R. 8812, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, regarding the classification of authorized purposes at Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) projects and cost sharing, and support for including hydropower as a limitation to designating water supply as an Corps primary purpose in section 121 to address those concerns. Discussed support for including hydropower as a limitation on an emergency drought operations pilot program for Corps projects in AZ, CA, and NV in section 152 of the legislation. Discussed support for including hydropower as a limitation on an emergency drought operations pilot program for Corps projects in AZ, CA, and NV in section 345 of S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. Discussed support for the inclusion of report language in H.R. 8812, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, that reaffirms the ratemaking authority of the Power Marketing Administration administrators. Discussed support for section 337 in S. 4367, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, directing the Army Corps of Engineers to apply section 1203 of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to a dam safety project at Garrison Dam in North Dakota. Discussed the importance of the federal Power Marketing Administrations that provide federal hydropower to public power utilities and opposition to any attempts to private them in whole or in part. Discussed growing threats to electric utilities from wildfires (no legislation). Discussed support for H.R. 6012, the Fire Safe Electric Corridors Act (all provisions). Discussed support for sections 203 and 204 of H.R. 8790, the Fix Our Forests Act, to allow the clearing of hazard trees withing 150 feet of electric power lines and to create a new categorical exclusion for vegetation management for utility rights-of-way.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed concerns with the DOEs proposed energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they would worsen the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed support for S. 3627, the Distribution Transformer Efficiency and Supply Chain Reliability Act of 2024 (all provisions). Discussed the need for the FAQS for the Fiscal Years 2022-2023 Funding Cycle for the Department of Energy's Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107) to be clarified regarding eligibility for joint action agencies. Discussed support for DOE's GRIP Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed ways to improve DOE outreach to smaller and rural utilities. Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6185, the Guaranteeing Reliable Infrastructure Development (GRID) Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed making transmission investment tax credits refundable in CETA, direct pay tax credits. Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed concerns with amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues across the U.S. Discussed the development of Western markets. Discussed President Bidens Executive Order to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). Discussed the potential use of AI by electric utilities. Discussed the National Cyber Incident Response Plan. Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Also discussed concerns with how the federal permitting process is slowing the ability of NTUA and volunteers to connect additional Navajo Nation homes to the electric grid.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed DOEs final energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they were improved from proposed standards. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement the requirements of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (Docket Number: CISA-2022-0010) and the need to avoid duplicative reporting requirements. Discussed support for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program under Subtitle D, sec. 11401 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-58). Discussed support for the Department of Energy Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower as a source of renewable energy for public power utilities. Discussed the importance of hydropower for grid reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994/H.R. 6653, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed S. 4027/H.R. 7786, the SPEED and Reliability Act of 2024 (section (2)(a)(D)), on the exemption of a facility as in the national interest from review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed concerns with overly stringent Build America/Buy America standards in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) and the impact those standards have on public power utilities ability to complete grant-funded projects. Discussed the need to increase product and asset availability, price transparency, accountability, and coordination between the natural gas and electric industries to ensure electric reliability (no legislation). Discussed how FERCs Order 1920 (Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17)) was a missed opportunity to deal with cost allocation issues and joint ownership of transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues. Discussed Western markets. Discussed FERCs practice and procedure and generator interconnection issues, including implementation of Order 2023 (Docket No. RM22-14). Discussed power market mitigation for institutional investors (Docket No. AD24-60). Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Discussed S. 4171, the Making Pipelines Accountable to Consumers Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 3820, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act (sections 2(b) and 2(g). Discussed the White Houses 150 Comeback Communities and public power utilities can better leverage programs and policies included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed possible funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) to assist manufacturers of distribution transformers in increasing their production (no legislation). Discussed the patchwork of cyber incident reporting requirements and concerns about harmonization, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agencys implementation of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CISA-2022-0010). Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994/H.R. 6653, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed concerns with Form EIA-112, Residential Utility Disconnections Survey. Discussed concerns with sections 401 and 402 in S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions jurisdiction over non-jurisdictional entities, and support for amendments 58 and 45 that would exempt Federal Power Act section 201(f) entities from sections 401 and 402 of the legislation. Provided feedback on draft legislation, the Rural Grid Resilience Act, to promote microgrids and grid resilience in rural communities. Discussed the price spike in PJMs 2024 Base Residual Auction and efforts by stakeholders to postpone PJMs 2025 Base Residual Auction. Discussed how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions (FERC) regulations impact public power communities despite most public power utilities not being subject to FERC ratemaking regulation. Discussed concerns with transmission affordability and rising transmission costs, and support for policies, such as joint ownership and eliminating unnecessary incentives, that would reduce transmission costs. Discussed concerns regarding the long lead times to interconnect new generation resources, and support for policies that prioritize interconnection for load-serving entities.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed DOEs final energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they were improved from proposed standards. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement the requirements of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (Docket Number: CISA-2022-0010) and the need to avoid duplicative reporting requirements. Discussed support for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program under Subtitle D, sec. 11401 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-58). Discussed support for the Department of Energy Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed the importance of hydropower as a source of renewable energy for public power utilities. Discussed the importance of hydropower for grid reliability. Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994/H.R. 6653, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed S. 4027/H.R. 7786, the SPEED and Reliability Act of 2024 (section (2)(a)(D)), on the exemption of a facility as in the national interest from review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Discussed concerns with overly stringent Build America/Buy America standards in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) and the impact those standards have on public power utilities ability to complete grant-funded projects. Discussed the need to increase product and asset availability, price transparency, accountability, and coordination between the natural gas and electric industries to ensure electric reliability (no legislation). Discussed how FERCs Order 1920 (Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17)) was a missed opportunity to deal with cost allocation issues and joint ownership of transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues. Discussed Western markets. Discussed FERCs practice and procedure and generator interconnection issues, including implementation of Order 2023 (Docket No. RM22-14). Discussed power market mitigation for institutional investors (Docket No. AD24-60). Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Discussed S. 4171, the Making Pipelines Accountable to Consumers Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 3820, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act (sections 2(b) and 2(g). Discussed the White Houses 150 Comeback Communities and public power utilities can better leverage programs and policies included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Discussed industry-wide distribution transformer shortage and equipment supply chain challenges. Also discussed the need for more domestic production of electrical equipment. Discussed efforts at the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed concerns with the DOEs proposed energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers (EERE-2019-BT-STD-0018) and how they would worsen the distribution transformer supply chain crisis. Discussed H.R. 4167, the Protecting Americas Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, to prevent DOE from proposing or enacting new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for five years. Discussed support for S. 3627, the Distribution Transformer Efficiency and Supply Chain Reliability Act of 2024 (all provisions). Discussed the need for the FAQS for the Fiscal Years 2022-2023 Funding Cycle for the Department of Energy's Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107) to be clarified regarding eligibility for joint action agencies. Discussed support for DOE's GRIP Program (P.L. 117-58, sections 40101, 40103, and 40107). Discussed ways to improve DOE outreach to smaller and rural utilities. Discussed the importance of improving the hydropower licensing and relicensing process (no bill). Discussed support for H.R. 4045, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (all provisions). Discussed S. 1521, the Community & Hydropower Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed support for S. 2994, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6185, the Guaranteeing Reliable Infrastructure Development (GRID) Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 5551/S. 2827, the BIG WIRES Act, to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to require the expansion of transmission facilities for reliability and establish thresholds for interregional transfer capability (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 6747, the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), to direct FERC to determine the existing electricity transfer capacity between regions and to establish minimum levels of transfer capabilities between each region, and to require each transmission planning region to coordinate with its neighbors to plan for the required interregional transmission (all provisions). Discussed making transmission investment tax credits refundable in CETA, direct pay tax credits. Discussed the need for permitting reform to help expedite the siting and permitting of energy projects to meet emissions reduction goals. Discussed support for permitting reform to help expedite the construction of energy infrastructure (no bill), including changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline processes but not include transmission-related language that would expand FERCs jurisdiction over cost allocation and potentially saddle public power utilities with additional transmission costs. Discussed the importance of joint ownership opportunities for public power utilities as new transmission projects are being built. Discussed how it could help reduce transmission costs for customers and build community support for transmission projects. Discussed concerns with amendment 8 to H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would make it more difficult and costly to permit certain electric transmission projects. Discussed electric transmission costs, planning, and joint ownership, including FERCs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, (Docket RM21-17). Discussed resource adequacy issues across the U.S. Discussed the development of Western markets. Discussed President Bidens Executive Order to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). Discussed the potential use of AI by electric utilities. Discussed the National Cyber Incident Response Plan. Discussed APPAs involvement in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authoritys (NTUA) Light Up Navajo effort. Also discussed concerns with how the federal permitting process is slowing the ability of NTUA and volunteers to connect additional Navajo Nation homes to the electric grid.

Discussed concerns with third-party efforts to remove the Lower Snake River Dams and the importance of hydropower (no bill). Discussed Columbia River Settlement Agreement and concerns with the potential impact of breaching the Lower Snake River dams on hydropower production, meeting clean energy goals, and grid reliability (no legislation). Discussed support for S. 3581/H.R. 6924, the Hydropower Delivery Rate-reduction Offset (HYDRO) Act. Discussed the issue of the assignment of inequitable costs by the Army Corps of Engineers to Power Marketing Administration and their customers. Discussed support for S. 4016/H.R. 7776, the Help Hoover Dam Act (all provisions).