States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
R.I. Gov. McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Spotlight Weekly Attendance Leaders
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 22 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Spotlight Weekly Attendance Leaders
As part of the statewide Attendance Matters RI campaign, today, Governor Dan McKee and Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green recognized Rhode Island schools with the highest weekly attendance and most improved attendance rates across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The following schools are Rhode Island's attendance leaders for the week of November 10, 2025*:
* Elementary:
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 22 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Spotlight Weekly Attendance Leaders
As part of the statewide Attendance Matters RI campaign, today, Governor Dan McKee and Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green recognized Rhode Island schools with the highest weekly attendance and most improved attendance rates across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The following schools are Rhode Island's attendance leaders for the week of November 10, 2025*:
* Elementary:Meadowbrook Farms School, East Greenwich - 97.19% weekly attendance rate
* Middle: Barrington Middle School, Barrington - 97.28% weekly attendance rate
* High School: East Greenwich High School, East Greenwich 95.38% weekly attendance rate
Special recognition is extended to the following schools for demonstrating the most improved average attendance rates from the previous week:
* Elementary: Mildred E. Lineham School, Exeter-West Greenwich 3.06% improvement in weekly attendance rate
* Middle: Esek Hopkins Middle School, Providence 2.55% improvement in weekly attendance rate
* High School: The Greene School, West Greenwich, 1.49% improvement in weekly attendance rate
Governor McKee and Commissioner Infante-Green commend all Rhode Island schools for their continued commitment to student success and consistent attendance. These recognitions will be updated weekly and shared publicly to celebrate the hard work of educators, students, and families.
*As of 6:00 a.m. on November 20, 2025.
**Schools with multiple grade levels are categorized by RIDE according to their largest student population.
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-commissioner-infante-green-spotlight-weekly-attendance-leaders
New Hampshire Insurance Department Reinforces Fraud Reporting Obligations for Health Carriers and Producers
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Nov. 22 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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New Hampshire Insurance Department Reinforces Fraud Reporting Obligations for Health Carriers and Producers
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) has released a bulletin providing carriers and ground ambulance providers with formal guidance on implementing SB 245, legislation designed to stabilize reimbursement, strengthen consumer protections, and increase network participation among ground ambulance providers across the Granite State.
The bulletin
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Nov. 22 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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New Hampshire Insurance Department Reinforces Fraud Reporting Obligations for Health Carriers and Producers
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) has released a bulletin providing carriers and ground ambulance providers with formal guidance on implementing SB 245, legislation designed to stabilize reimbursement, strengthen consumer protections, and increase network participation among ground ambulance providers across the Granite State.
The bulletinoutlines how the temporary two-year reimbursement framework will operate beginning January 1, 2026, while the statewide cost study--required by the Legislature to establish long-term, cost-based rates--remains underway. Under the statute, ground ambulance providers may qualify for reimbursement at 3.25 times the Medicare rate if they pursue or secure participation under the Standard Ground Ambulance Provider Contract.
"The goal of this framework is to ensure that Granite Staters are protected from balance billing while giving ground ambulance providers a predictable and sustainable path into carrier networks," said Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt. "By pairing consumer protections with stable reimbursement during the cost study period, the Legislature has restored market incentives that benefit patients, providers, and carriers alike."
The bulletin clarifies the conditions providers must meet to access the enhanced 3.25x Medicare reimbursement rate, including submitting the Standard Contract Application Form, actively engaging in contracting, and cooperating with the statewide cost study. It also details the circumstances under which a provider may lose eligibility, as well as the reporting obligations shared by carriers and providers to ensure accuracy and transparency.
"These updates not only enhance consumer safeguards but also ensure clarity and fairness for providers, carriers, and health plans navigating the new reimbursement system," said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Keith Nyhan. "The NHID remains committed to maintaining transparency and protecting Granite Staters throughout implementation."
To support uniform administration, the NHID will maintain a public reimbursement eligibility registry that carriers must consult when processing claims. The bulletin also reaffirms that SB 245 applies only to fully insured commercial plans regulated by the Department, though carriers may choose to extend the Standard Contract to self-funded plans.
The full bulletin, Docket #INS 25-073-AB, can be viewed at https://mm.nh.gov/files/uploads/nhid/documents/20251121-ins-25-073-ab.pdf .pdf Icon.
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The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help
The New Hampshire Insurance Department's mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 800-852-3416 or 603-271-2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit https://insurance.nh.gov/.
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Original text here: https://www.insurance.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-insurance-department-reinforces-fraud-reporting-obligations-health-0
N.J. A.G. Platkin: Sussex County Alcohol and Drug Counselor Suspended From Practice for Five Years, Fined $20,000 for Alleged Inappropriate Sexual Conduct in the Workplace
TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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AG Platkin: Sussex County Alcohol and Drug Counselor Suspended from Practice for Five Years, Fined $20,000 for Alleged Inappropriate Sexual Conduct in the Workplace
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") announced today that a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in Sussex County has been suspended from practice for five years and assessed a $20,000 civil penalty for allegedly violating rules against sexual misconduct
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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AG Platkin: Sussex County Alcohol and Drug Counselor Suspended from Practice for Five Years, Fined $20,000 for Alleged Inappropriate Sexual Conduct in the Workplace
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") announced today that a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in Sussex County has been suspended from practice for five years and assessed a $20,000 civil penalty for allegedly violating rules against sexual misconductand harassment in the workplace.
Jon E. Boschen, who is also licensed as a clinical social worker, allegedly engaged in a pattern of harassment and intimidation of two women he supervised while working in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center and engaged in a personal and sexual relationship with one of the women. Additionally, Boschen was terminated from his position as an alcohol and drug counselor at another facility following a report from a client that he had repeatedly made inappropriate, sexualized comments to her during counseling sessions.
Boschen agreed to a five-year suspension of his licenses to practice alcohol and drug counseling and clinical social work in New Jersey in order to resolve allegations that he engaged in professional misconduct and violated rules prohibiting inappropriate behavior, sexual misconduct, and harassment by a licensed professional.
"Sexual misconduct, harassment, and abuse by licensed professionals in the workplace is an insidious threat than can cause severe harm to victims," said Attorney General Platkin. "We will continue to investigate complaints of this nature and hold violators accountable to ensure New Jersey's professional settings remain safe and respectful environments for all."
"New Jersey's healthcare licensees are expected to comply with the highest professional and ethical standards," said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "This licensee fell far short of those standards and is facing significant consequences for his conduct."
Under a final consent order filed with the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners' Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee ("Committee") and the State Board of Social Work Examiners ("Board"), for a period of five years, Boschen is barred from engaging in social work, alcohol and drug counseling, or any other mental health counseling, clinical supervision, or life coaching in New Jersey, whether volunteer, compensated, or uncompensated. He is also required to pay civil penalties totaling $20,000--$10,000 to the Board and $10,000 to the Committee--upon signing the consent order.
During the five-year suspension period, Boschen may not profit from professional services rendered by others and is precluded from managing or supervising the practice of social work or alcohol and drug counseling, including by testifying or serving as an expert consultant in New Jersey. Boschen's suspension period will be tolled for any length of time that he practices in another jurisdiction.
The State was represented in this matter by Deputy Attorney General Michelle Mikelberg, under the supervision of Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner, of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section, within the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group of the Division of Law. Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation.
Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 973-504-6200 to request a complaint form. For multilingual information about filing sexual misconduct complaints, you may visit the dedicated page on the Division's website.
Final Consent Order (http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20251113_44SC05559800.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-sussex-county-alcohol-and-drug-counselor-suspended-from-practice-for-five-years-fined-20000-for-alleged-inappropriate-sexual-conduct-in-the-workplace/
N.C. Health Dept.: North Carolina Applies for $200 Million From Rural Health Transformation Program
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 22 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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North Carolina Applies for $200 Million from Rural Health Transformation Program
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) earlier this month submitted its Rural Health Transformation Plan to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The plan demonstrates how the state could use $200 million in federal funding annually over five years to improve health across 85 of North Carolina's 100 counties. CMS is expected to announce
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 22 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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North Carolina Applies for $200 Million from Rural Health Transformation Program
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) earlier this month submitted its Rural Health Transformation Plan to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The plan demonstrates how the state could use $200 million in federal funding annually over five years to improve health across 85 of North Carolina's 100 counties. CMS is expected to announcefunding decisions by December 31, 2025.
North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program application is designed to ensure that every North Carolinian, regardless of where they live, has access to high-quality, affordable health care. NCDHHS developed the plan through extensive engagement with more than 420 stakeholders, including rural hospitals, community health centers, local health departments, Tribal communities, faith-based organizations, and residents.
"Our plan reflects North Carolina's commitment to ensuring that every North Carolinian, no matter where they live, has access to high-quality health care," said Governor Josh Stein. "North Carolina is on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, and our application for the Rural Health Transformation Program shows that we're ready to continue our leadership in rural health care. Let's keep people healthy and ensure our rural communities remain vibrant. I also want to thank the bipartisan partners who helped develop this plan and will help carry it out."
"Rural health care providers are the backbone of their communities, working tirelessly to ensure people have access to care when and where they need it," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "North Carolina is a leader in prioritizing rural health and remains committed to investing in rural health care and the rural health workforce. The North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Plan is one part of our efforts to support the more than 3 million people in North Carolina who live in a rural community."
North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in the country behind Texas and faces unique obstacles, such as workforce demands.
North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Plan outlines six key strategies to transform rural health care systems. These include:
* Launching a locally governed "NC ROOTS" Hub to connect medical, mental health, and social supports
* Expanding prevention, chronic disease management, and nutrition programs
* Increasing access to mental health services, including substance use disorder treatment
* Investing in the rural health care workforce
* Supporting rural providers in transitioning to value-based care models
* Enhancing technology in health care
These initiatives will be implemented through a broad coalition of state agencies, community-based organizations, academic institutions, rural providers, and private-sector partners. As an example of innovation and collaboration, the application outlines creation of the Rural Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) that will help rural health care providers get access to technology that will support their practices.
On November 21, NCDHHS staff will brief members of North Carolina's congressional delegation, as well as members of the NC General Assembly, on the Rural Health Transformation Plan, highlighting the program's goals, the program's statewide impact, and the importance of federal partnership in addressing root causes of disease.
NCDHHS continues to work with CMS regarding the NC plan and expects a notice of approval by December 31. The program will begin in early 2026. A public notice will be issued following CMS approval, and additional details about the funding process will be shared in early 2026. The program will be guided by a statewide steering committee, including NCDHHS's Office of Rural Health and divisions of Medicaid, Public Health, and Mental Health, in collaboration with universities, community colleges, Community Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, small rural hospitals, school-based clinics, and local partners.
The program will improve health and care delivery for nearly 3 million rural North Carolinians, support more than 400 rural health facilities, and bring an anticipated $200 million a year in federal investment to the state over five years. North Carolinians are encouraged to learn more about the Rural Health Transformation Program by visiting www.ncdhhs.gov/rhtp.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2025/11/21/north-carolina-applies-200-million-rural-health-transformation-program
LCRA Awards $25,000 Grant to Palacios Preservation Association for Outdoor Historical Exhibit
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 22 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA awards $25,000 grant to Palacios Preservation Association for outdoor historical exhibit
New Caboose Corner display in Railroad Park will share Palacios history, support downtown revitalization
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PALACIOS, Texas - The Palacios Preservation Association soon will construct an open-air exhibit on Palacios history in Caboose Corner in Railroad Park, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The community grant, along with $25,829 in matching funds from the association,
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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 22 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA awards $25,000 grant to Palacios Preservation Association for outdoor historical exhibit
New Caboose Corner display in Railroad Park will share Palacios history, support downtown revitalization
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PALACIOS, Texas - The Palacios Preservation Association soon will construct an open-air exhibit on Palacios history in Caboose Corner in Railroad Park, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The community grant, along with $25,829 in matching funds from the association,will help create a canopy-covered display area downtown with interpretive panels that tell Palacios' story. The first theme will focus on the city's railroad era, with future topics expected to highlight local architecture and cultural heritage. The free, year-round exhibit on Main Street will provide a walkable learning experience for anyone who stops by.
"This is a visible project in a park people see as they come into town," said Tim Hornback, executive director of the Palacios Preservation Association. "Caboose Corner will become an inviting place to stroll, read and learn. Starting with the story of the railroad in Palacios, we'll use outdoor displays and plaques so families, students and visitors can explore our history in the open air."
Hornback said the project reflects broad community support for preservation efforts.
"The community is excited and ready to make this project a reality," Hornback said. "We are grateful to LCRA for this grant and for past support of preservation in Palacios, and we appreciate the City of Palacios for working alongside us to strengthen our community. This project brings neighbors and volunteers together to share the stories that shaped our town and to welcome residents and visitors to discover them."
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA's effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
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About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-awards-25000-grant-to-palacios-preservation-association-for-outdoor-historical-exhibit/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Advances Efficiency Efforts, Announces Five New Projects Completed to Improve State Government
SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 22 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Governor Newsom advances efficiency efforts, announces five new projects completed to improve state government
California Breakthrough group helps the state deliver new efficiency results
What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced five new projects the state is delivering to make California's government better -- as a result of the Governor's work to identify efficiency opportunities and develop new solutions.
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SAN FRANCISCO - Governor Newsom's California Breakthrough
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SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 22 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Governor Newsom advances efficiency efforts, announces five new projects completed to improve state government
California Breakthrough group helps the state deliver new efficiency results
What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced five new projects the state is delivering to make California's government better -- as a result of the Governor's work to identify efficiency opportunities and develop new solutions.
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SAN FRANCISCO - Governor Newsom's California Breakthroughadvisory group -- a preeminent group of technology and corporate executives -- met Tuesday with the Governor to present new solutions to help advance efficiency and stronger services in state government. Along with the meeting, the Governor also announced five new projects resulting from this effort. Through these projects and others, California is delivering measurable results across state operations -- cutting costs and time, modernizing systems, and improving services for California residents.
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We're going to keep making government better, faster, and more responsive for Californians. California is home to the most innovative talent -- people who wake up every day thinking about how to solve big problems, and we're tapping that spirit to modernize how government serves you.
In just a few months since announcing the California Breakthrough Project, we've already identified real ways to save time and money, cut through the nonsense, and made the experience of dealing with state government simpler and more user-friendly. That's the mission: government that works for you, not the other way around.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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An all-hands solution to government efficiency
Tuesday at SV Angel headquarters in San Francisco, Governor Newsom met with the California Breakthrough Group. The group, which first met on June 6, includes Asheesh Birla (Investor), Ron Conway (Founder, SV Angel), Chris Larsen (Executive Chair, Ripple), Jeff Lawson (Co-founder and former CEO, Twilio), Jen Pahlka (author of Recoding America), Jason Wheeler (former CFO of Tesla), Dani Dudeck (Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Instacart), and leaders from companies including AME Cloud Ventures, Anduril, Coinbase, Instacart, and Snap Inc. At today's event, the group welcomed three new members: Andre Haddad (CEO of Turo), Sam Rodriques (CEO of FutureHouse and Edison Scientific), and Scopely.
Earlier this year, the Governor signed an executive order directing every state agency to engage the entire state workforce in efforts to identify and implement novel efficiency measures. The order also created a new Governor's Innovation Fellows Program, state staff with a mission of collaborating to address unique statewide challenges through innovative ideas. At the meeting, the Breakthrough Members provided the Governor with an update on the work underway, including their support of the Innovation Fellows. The Fellows, with assistance from the Office of Data and Innovation (ODI) and UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy, are working with a group on public impact initiatives and state operations improvements.
Efficient, effective, engaged
From hiring practices to water management, here are the latest wins that demonstrate how the state, alongside the California Breakthrough advisory group, is building a more efficient, effective, and engaged government for you:
#1 Fast-tracking state hiring
California has streamlined its hiring process and made applying for and moving between state jobs easier -- by merging 67 generalist job titles, covering more than 32,000 positions, into just eight classifications. This will make it much easier for applicants to find the right role and for current employees to advance their careers and avoid being stuck in narrow job categories. Additionally, changes to peace officer job requirements will open opportunities across 90 classifications, impacting over 26,000 positions. This simplification helps applicants more easily find the right roles while greatly reducing the number of civil service exams applicants need to complete. In an early pilot, the state has also reduced application review time by nearly 87 percent while maintaining the state's merit-based hiring practices.
#2 Transparent Water Rights Records
A new system from the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Water Accounting, Tracking, and Reporting System (CalWATRS), replaces an outdated system that's almost 20 years old. It simplifies the reporting process and reduces errors, and is part of ongoing work to digitize paper water rights records--some well over 100 years old--to make information readily available to the public for the first time through an interactive map. The new system also helps state officials take action when there is drought. For the first time, it makes the state's 40,000 water rights records easily accessible to the public, while streamlining reporting for water rights holders.
#3 Saving millions through smarter tech contracts
The California Department of Technology (CDT) teamed up with the Employment Development Department (EDD) to consolidate multiple Salesforce license agreements into a single enterprise contract. This strategic move improved the state's negotiating power--saving EDD $2.3 million, or 10%, on Salesforce costs alone. CDT also successfully negotiated a 12.4% discount under the Cisco CaliONE Statewide Agreement, benefiting eight departments. This strategic consolidation resulted in over $12 million in savings on hardware purchases for the State of California.
#4 Reducing printing costs
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) combed through traditional printing activities to identify publications and items that no longer needed to be published in paper form or could be distributed digitally. CDCR has ceased printing entire regulatory packages and only prints required notices, moved printed workbooks online, and now prints required notices and visitor passes in-house for a total savings of more than $563,000.
#5 Expanding access to nature with the Golden Bear Pass
California continues to step up and support our residents. The revamped Golden Bear Pass Program now offers free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 state parks for Californians on public assistance, with participation surging from a few thousand to over 108,000 passes issued in just three years.
Leading in government efficiency
Governor Newsom has made efficiency a top priority since the start of his Administration. In 2019, the Governor established the Office of Data Innovation, a group of technology experts dedicated to supporting other state agencies, departments, and employees to utilize data, technology, and principles of human-centered design common in the private sector to improve the delivery of services to Californians.
Prioritizing efficiency and innovation -- with appropriate safeguards protecting privacy, safety, and civil liberties -- Governor Newsom has:
* Overhauled and modernized the Department of Motor Vehicles to reduce wait times, expand online services, and improve customer service.
* Implemented new cutting-edge technologies to fight wildfires, including cameras across the state and data modeling to predict where wildfires might occur, deployment of drones, and improved incident reporting.
* Issued an executive order directing state agencies to implement Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into state government operations and help support the work of front-line employees.
* Expedited the procurement process through an innovative Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI2), which allows state agencies to quickly test technology through safe and secure environments. Through this expedited process, California has already announced three important contracts, using GenAI to reduce highway congestion, improve traffic safety, and enhance customer service.
Improving government services through engagement
Earlier this year, Governor Newsom launched the first-of-its-kind digital platform that empowers Californians to use a virtual town hall setting to engage and share insights about a particular topic. The pilot project involved people impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. They aligned on a rebuilding and recovery process through a six-month conversation with 2,500 comments from Californians.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/11/21/governor-newsom-advances-efficiency-efforts-announces-five-new-projects-completed-to-improve-state-government/
ACC Votes to Intervene in FERC ANOPR on Interconnection of Large Loads
PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 22 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release:
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ACC Votes to Intervene in FERC ANOPR on Interconnection of Large Loads
At the Arizona Corporation Commission's November 19, 2025, regular open meeting, the Commission voted 5-0 to intervene in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Docket No. RM26-4-000 Interconnection of Large Loads to the Interstate Transmission System. After a lengthy discussion, the Commission voted to intervene in the FERC docket without stating a position at this time for the purpose of preserving its right
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 22 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release:
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ACC Votes to Intervene in FERC ANOPR on Interconnection of Large Loads
At the Arizona Corporation Commission's November 19, 2025, regular open meeting, the Commission voted 5-0 to intervene in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Docket No. RM26-4-000 Interconnection of Large Loads to the Interstate Transmission System. After a lengthy discussion, the Commission voted to intervene in the FERC docket without stating a position at this time for the purpose of preserving its rightto file a brief at a future date.
On October 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a rare Section 403 directive requesting FERC initiate rulemaking procedures and consider DOE's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANOPR) related to "Ensuring the Timely and Orderly Interconnection of Large Loads." The directive included a set of fourteen principles DOE believes should inform FERC's rulemaking procedures.
The Secretary's letter requires FERC to consider the proposal and take final action by April 30, 2026. FERC extended the deadline to submit initial comments on the proposed ANOPR to November 21, 2025, with reply comments due on or before December 5, 2025. As of November 20, 2025, ten other state utility commissions have filed to intervene.
"I agree with the Secretary that to usher in 'a new era of American prosperity,' all Americans and domestic industries must have access to affordable, reliable, and secure electricity," stated Vice Chair Nick Myers. "I further agree with the expressed policy priorities of ensuring timely, orderly, and non-discriminatory interconnection of large loads to the transmission system, including AI data centers. At the same time, I believe it is critical that FERC work closely with the States and state regulators to ensure rules resulting from this proposal affirm state authority and do not inadvertently create challenges to resource adequacy, reliability, and affordability."
"We appreciate the Administration's desires to address longstanding grid connection queue lags for large loads while prioritizing reliability and affordability," said Chairman Kevin Thompson. "FERC has traditionally not asserted authority over matters involving load interconnection, and so as this process unfolds, it's important for the Commission to represent Arizona's voice and preserve our authority over large loads connecting to our grid. We share the goals of serving large industry and promoting growth in a manner that does not impact reliability or come at the financial expense of residential and small business ratepayers."
For more information, please contact Chair Thompson at thompson-web@azcc.gov or Vice Chair Myers at myers-web@azcc.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.azcc.gov/news/home/2025/11/21/acc-votes-to-intervene-in-ferc-anopr-on-interconnection-of-large-loads
