Electric Vehicle Grid Integration and Grid Impacts for State Regulators

The event titled 'Electric Vehicle Grid Integration and Grid Impacts for State Regulators' is designed to provide essential insights into the complexities of energy regulation, specifically focusing on the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the grid. This online course is tailored for state regulators, their staff, and legal practitioners, aiming to equip them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of energy law and policy. Participants will delve into the intricate legal framework governing federal and state energy regulation, examining both electricity and gas sectors. The course will cover foundational statutes, critical legal doctrines, and the implications of recent landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions, ensuring that attendees are well-versed in the current legal environment affecting energy policy and infrastructure projects.A significant theme of the course will be the division of authority between federal and state governments, which has profound implications for energy regulation and the implementation of EV technology. Major topics include an exploration of the constitutional and statutory framework of energy regulation, focusing on the sources of regulatory power at both federal and state levels, including a review of the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act. Participants will learn about the regulatory roles of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state utility commissions, alongside an analysis of pertinent court cases that define the boundaries of federal and state authority. Additionally, the course will address how electrical power is priced, examining constitutional limits on ratemaking authority and the implications of various court decisions. The course will also discuss significant recent Supreme Court cases that influence agency decision-making, including environmental reviews under NEPA and judicial deference to agency actions. The instructor for this course is the esteemed former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Mark Christie, who has extensive experience in energy law and regulation. Christie has served as a FERC commissioner and has been appointed as the founding Director of the Center for Energy Law and Policy at William & Mary Law School, where he also teaches. His background includes a long tenure at the Virginia State Corporation Commission, where he was instrumental in regulating utilities, insurance, and banking, and he has a rich history of teaching regulatory and constitutional law. The course is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the energy regulatory landscape, making it an invaluable resource for professionals involved in energy law and policy.