Department of Energy December 15, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) publishes a final rule to amend the existing regulations for the loan guarantee program authorized by Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Title XVII or the Act). Section 1703 of Title XVII (section 1703) authorizes the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to make loan guarantees for projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. Such projects must also employ new or significantly improved technologies as compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States at the time the guarantee is issued. The two principal goals of section 1703 are to encourage commercial use in the United States of new or significantly improved energy-related technologies and to achieve substantial environmental benefits. Section 1703 also identifies ten categories of technologies and projects that are potentially eligible for loan guarantees. Commercial use of these technologies is expected to help sustain and promote economic growth, produce a more stable and secure energy supply and economy for the United States, and improve the environment. As a result of experience gained implementing the loan guarantee program authorized by section 1703, and information received from program participants, including applicants, borrowers, sponsors, and lenders, as well as various energy industry groups, DOE finalizes amendments to the existing regulations to provide increased clarity and transparency, reduce paperwork, and provide a more workable interpretation of certain statutory provisions in light of DOE's experience with operation of the Title XVII program.