Regulatory Roundup: Navigating a New Era
Regulatory Roundup: Navigating a New Era
Regulatory Roundup shares timely insights into significant policy changes under the new administration, breaking down complex regulations into clear, actionable information.
Federal Enforcement Under Trump 2.0: What Government Contractors Need to Know
This supplements The Compliance Collective webinar, “Responding to Shifting Federal Enforcement in Government Contracting,” held on February 19, 2026.
BOEM Proposes Revisions to Regulations Governing Hard Mineral Resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf
Key Takeaways
Energy Credit Guidance: Treasury and IRS Issue Proposed Regulations Under the Clean Fuel Production Credit
Overview
On February 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued proposed regulations (Proposed Regulations) under Section 45Z,[1] the clean fuel production credit.
Race to the Seabed: NOAA Digs Deeper With Combined Permitting for Mineral Exploration and Recovery in International Waters
On January 21, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a final rule revising its regulations governing deep seabed mining under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980 (DSHMRA).[1]
New Illinois Immigration Law Part of Growing Trend—Are Massachusetts and Washington Next?
Recent amendments to the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act include important employer responsibilities effective immediately; Massachusetts and Washington may soon enact similar laws.
Critical Minerals at a Critical Point: NOAA’s Decision Point
On December 23, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) formally announced receipt and commencement of public review of exploration license applications for deep seabed mining under the Dee
Georgia Public Service Commission Approves Georgia Power’s Major Generation Expansion To Support Data Center Load
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has unanimously approved Georgia Power Company’s (Georgia Power) plan to add nearly 9,885 MW of new generation capacity, primarily to meet projected demand from data centers and other large loads.[1]
- The proposed build-out is one of the largest electric generation expansions in the United States.
NYLTA Effective January 1, 2026, With Application Limited to Foreign-Formed LLC’s Registered in NY
A Senate bill intended to retain more expansive application of the NYLTA was vetoed by the New York governor.
BLM Issues New Guidance Directing Annual Competitive Geothermal Lease Sales and Reducing Opportunities for Public Participation
Introduction
On December 16, 2025, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published Instruction Memorandum 2026-004 (IM2026-004), titled Promoting Annual Competitive Geothermal Lease Sales, establishing new policy guidance for geothermal leasing on federal public lands.
Small Business Administration Review of the 8(a) Business Development Program: Best Practices for Navigating the Document Request
Small Business Administration Document Request
On December 5, 2025, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a formal request to all active participants in the 8(a) Business Development Program—approximately 4,300 firms.
New California Immigration Law Employers Need to Know
A new California law, the Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 294), includes important immigration-related employer responsibilities taking effect in early 2026.
Advanced planning is needed to ensure compliance, especially given the heightened attention to these topics in the current period of enhanced immigration enforcement.
Department of Energy Solicits Proposals for AI Data Centers and Co-located Power
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is accelerating efforts to transform sections of its federal land portfolio into strategic hubs for artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled data centers and advanced energy infrastructure.
BOEM Rapidly Advances Steps to Develop Critical Minerals in American Samoa and Commonwealth of Mariana Islands
Last week, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced progress on its long-term plan to lease areas for critical mineral[1] development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).[2]
DOE Implements Energy Dominance Financing Through Interim Final Rule
On October 28, 2025, the U.S.
DHS Ends Automatic Work Authorization Extensions
On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an interim final rule ending the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain renewal applicants.
This change has immediate implications for work authorization compliance and workforce planning.