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.
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.
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.
The Latest in the Race for Deep-Sea Minerals
On October 28, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sent a draft rule to the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs that would streamline the NOAA permitting process for deep-sea mining.
Preparing for the California Cyber Audit Regulations
On September 23, 2025, the California Privacy Protection Agency confirmed that their cyber audit regulations will at long last go into effect on January 1, 2026.
You can be forgiven for losing track since these were first proposed in September 2023, but now is the time to start considering how they will apply to your company and budgeting for that impact.
Breaking: DOE Directs FERC to Fast-Track New Rules for Large Load Interconnections
U.S. Fusion Energy Advances With Two Major Reports Demonstrating Public-Private Collaboration
October 2025 is emerging as a potential turning point for the U.S. fusion energy industry as both the U.S.
DOJ Posts New FAQ for the “Bulk Data” Rule
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) “Data Security Program” (DSP), also known as the “Sensitive Data Rule” or “Bulk Data Rule,” has prompted numerous questions about its scope and application.
Department of Energy Launches New “Speed to Power” Initiative to Facilitate Rapid Transmission and Generation Growth
On September 18, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) rolled out its new Speed to Power initiative, which seeks to meet rising energy demand trends by leveraging DOE’s funding and technical assistance capabilities to acc