Podcast: Rural counties fuel energy development
Upcoming Events
Related News
David Senjem’s opinion on renewable energy changed on an international exchange trip to Germany, and when he took office as an Olmsted County, Minn. commissioner, he wanted to make sure counties were positioned to be ready to participate in energy development. He’s now an advisor to NACo’s Rural Energy Academy, which helps rural county leaders navigate development and siting of wind, solar, battery storage and data centers and whether they are right for their residents, economies and natural resources. He and NACo Program Manager Blake Gardiner join the County News Podcast to share what resources and learning opportunities are available to counties preparing for energy production.
Related News
U.S. House begins reauthorization process for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program
On August 27, leaders on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce announced the beginning of the reauthorization process for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) by circulating a discussion draft of the Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2026. The discussion draft would reauthorize the DWSRF through fiscal year (FY) 2031 and authorize $1.126 billion annually for the program.
U.S. Department of Energy announces cancellation of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
On August 12, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it would not continue the designation process for three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs). The cancellation means that DOE is not actively considering any NIETCs, which preempt state and county siting authority for energy infrastructure.
U.S. EPA releases guidance for compliance with lead pipe removal requirements
On August 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released additional guidance for water systems to comply with the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LRCI). The guidance comes as water systems face a November 1, 2027, deadline to complete a baseline inventory of water service line materials and begin replacing service lines. The guidance provides further directions on how to assess, identify and access service lines to comply with the rule.
County News
Energy potential comes into focus for rural counties
