Michigan House Bill 6264, titled the "data center energy standards act," requires owners and operators of data centers in the state to source 100% of their annual energy use from clean or renewable sources by January 1, 2040. The bill allows facilities to meet this requirement through on-site generation, power purchase agreements, or other energy instruments approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Violations of these standards are subject to civil fines of up to $10,000 per day, which must be deposited into the state's general fund. This legislation only takes effect if seven companion bills from the 103rd Legislature are also enacted into law.
This bill authorizes the Buzzards Bay Water District to grant permanent and temporary easements to Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC for the installation and maintenance of natural gas pipelines and an access road on specific property in Bourne. In exchange for these rights, Algonquin must pay the water district an amount equal to the fair market value or value in use of the affected land interests, whichever is higher. The district is required to hold this payment in a dedicated account and use it within three years to acquire or improve land for public open space purposes under state constitutional requirements.
This bill authorizes the town of Bourne to grant Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC a permanent 50-foot wide right-of-way and easement for pipeline construction, maintenance, and access roads on land currently held for conservation. In exchange for this transfer, the company is required to convey approximately 2.76 acres of other land to the town's conservation commission to ensure there is no net loss of protected conservation property. The legislation specifically identifies the affected properties by deed records and engineering plans filed with the town clerk.
Report of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (pursuant to Section 21(d)(5) of Chapter 25 of the General Laws) submitting its Department of Public Utilities Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Statement 2022-2024 report
The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide grants to public housing agencies and tribal entities for the comprehensive rehabilitation, energy upgrades, and modernization of public housing stock. These funds are intended to transform properties into zero-carbon homes by installing renewable energy systems, electrifying appliances, and repairing infrastructure, while also establishing workforce development programs that offer training, apprenticeships, and stipends to residents and local low-income workers. The bill mandates strict labor standards, including prevailing wages and the use of U.S.-made materials, and requires agencies to maintain or increase the total number of public housing units while prioritizing resident participation through elected councils and community engagement processes.
The Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2026 amends the Export-Import Bank Act to allow federal financing for nuclear reprocessing facilities when authorized under existing atomic energy agreements. It expands the scope of the Program on China and Transformational Exports to explicitly include civil nuclear energy technologies, materials, services, and related infrastructure. Additionally, the bill raises the cap on excess lending authority by $50 billion for this specific program and increases the default rate threshold from 2 percent to 4 percent before mandatory monitoring actions are triggered.
The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act establishes a federal program to provide grants and technical assistance to small electric utilities, including rural cooperatives, municipally owned systems, and smaller investor-owned companies. The program aims to help these entities deploy advanced cybersecurity technologies and participate in threat information sharing networks to better protect against cyberattacks. Funding is prioritized for utilities with limited security resources or those operating critical infrastructure that supports the national power grid. The bill authorizes $250 million in appropriations over five years, from fiscal year 2027 through 2031, and exempts shared cybersecurity information from public disclosure under freedom of information laws.
The Quantum-GUARD Act of 2026 requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to evaluate cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computers and the potential use of post-quantum cryptography when reviewing reliability standards for the bulk-power system. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a "PQC sandbox" within one year, bringing together grid operators, technology vendors, and government agencies to test and develop post-quantum security solutions for both information and operational technology systems. Additionally, the Secretary of Energy must conduct a study on the specific vulnerabilities of critical grid infrastructure to quantum threats and submit a report with recommendations to Congress within one year of enactment.
The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act directs federal funds to public housing agencies and tribal entities to rehabilitate, modernize, and electrify the nation's public housing stock into zero-carbon homes within ten years. The bill establishes grant programs that require recipients to conduct deep energy retrofits, install renewable energy systems, upgrade water quality infrastructure, and provide high-speed internet access to residents. In exchange for these funds, agencies must commit to maintaining their total number of housing units, ensuring displaced residents can return to their original projects, and adhering to strict labor standards that prioritize hiring low-income individuals and supporting resident-owned businesses. Additionally, the legislation strengthens tenant participation by mandating the formation of elected resident councils in larger developments and providing stipends for volunteer officers who help manage community operations.
The MORE American Fuel Act of 2026 amends the Atomic Energy Act to allow companies to begin constructing uranium enrichment facilities before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issues an operating license, provided the application has been officially accepted and all federal laws are followed. This change shifts the licensing process from requiring approval before construction starts to a model where construction can proceed at the applicant's own financial risk while the regulatory review is still pending. To ensure local awareness, the bill mandates that applicants notify state governors, local government officials, and nearby tribal leaders at least 15 days before starting construction. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is required to update its regulations within 180 days of the act's passage to reflect these new procedures, while retaining full authority to deny licenses if safety or operational standards are not met.
