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FERC Proposes NEPA Revisions to Streamline Air Quality Analyses and Accelerate Natural Gas Projects

LCG, October 16, 2026--The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced on Thursday its new proposal to revise and accelerate its review of air quality effects for proposed natural gas projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The draft policy statement highlights revisions designed to (i) avoid unnecessary delays and duplicative analysis and (ii) deliver greater regulatory certainty and a streamlined path forward for project applicants.

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AEP Announces 702-MW Bloom Fuel Cell Project to Serve Google in Wyoming

LCG, October 14, 2026--American Electric Power (AEP) today announced plans for a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Google, under which AEP will invest approximately $4 billion to advance a new 702-MW fuel cell generation project located near Cheyenne, Wyoming. Google will acquire power from Cheyenne Fuel Cell, LLC, which is approximately 92 percent owned and controlled by AEP and 8 percent owned by funds advised by Basalt Infrastructure Partners, LLP. AEP and its partners plan to start construction this year and to be fully operational by the end of 2028.

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Industry News

Avista Takes Steps to Mitigate Power Shortage

LCG, Aug. 11, 2000--Avista Corp. yesterday announced three steps that will help it climb out of the hole it dug for itself when it allowed its inventory of available power to fall well below the demands of its native load.

The most immediate relief will be provided by a 60 megawatt natural gas-fired turbine power plant near Spokane, Wash., which the utility brought on line yesterday. Ordinarily, the plant is held in reserve under an operating license that limits its use to a specified number of hours during periods of peak demand.

Washington Gov. Gary Locke issued an energy supply alert order that allowed operation of the plant after the Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority notified the governor that extended operation of the turbine would have no negative impact on regional air quality.

The company also received approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation for a special request for proposal for new power generation under which the WUTC agreed to waive normal time limits related to going out into the market to see what options are available for development of new generation resources.

In the third step, Avista requested and received WUTC approval for deferred accounting of the financial devastation caused by the companys inability to cover power demand with either its own resources or generation arranged for in advance.

The problem largely stemmed from the companys sale of its 175 megawatt interest in the coal-fired Centralia power plant earlier this year. When the plant was sold, Avista decided not to contract for replacement power, betting that spot market prices would be cheaper in May and June. It was a bad bet.

The problem was made worse by trading activity in which Avista sold power short for the same period, meaning it agreed to deliver electricity without having electricity to deliver. It had to go into the spot market to cover its promises. Avista said the trading was unauthorized, but that didnt make it less painful.

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