FERC's recent rejection of a major northwestern utility's wind integration charge could yield clues as to the commission's intention to take a strong stance against similar proposals, say sources with the wind industry. The case may serve as a venue for considering federal policies for allocating the costs associated with integrating renewable energy generators, industry sources say, because FERC's decision leaves the door open for the utility company to provide further explanation of its proposed access fee for wind.

EPA's pending first-time proposal to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks is expected to require the use of easily available off-the-shelf technologies, such as low-resistance tires, many of which are already required in EPA's voluntary SmartWay truck efficiency program, sources familiar with the plan say.