For nearly a year, Energy Policy News has strived to become a leading news source on domestic energy policy and the global trends that affect regulation. However, on Friday, July 1, the site will publish its last story.
Royal Media, the parent company of Energy Policy News, formerly known as The Foster Report, made the difficult decision to conclude the site after purchasing it in July 2021.
This decision was not made lightly, especially considering Energy Policy News’ decades-long legacy and subscribers. We know that the in-depth coverage of energy policy and FERC, in particular, is greatly needed during this time of transition in the energy industry. Unfortunately, Royal Media inherited a publication that had been underdeveloped, and just could not overcome these shortcomings.
We are certainly proud of our work on Energy Policy News, which kept EPN at the center of the heated energy policy debate rippling through this nation. We published articles featuring interviews with current and former FERC commissioners at a time when FERC found itself in the national spotlight over its natural gas infrastructure policy. Commissioner Mark Christie, for instance, spoke to Energy Policy News about natural gas certificates, transmission reforms and relationships among the Commissioners, and discussed the importance of FERC allowing states to make crucial decisions for themselves.
The publication recently held a webinar on FERC’s controversial natural gas infrastructure policies that included former FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee and Natural Resources Defense Council Senior Attorney Gillian Giannetti and focused on the Commission’s role as a federal energy regulator. Those policies were the subject of intense public scrutiny and reporting by the team in recent months after FERC walked them back to draft status.
In addition to daily FERC coverage, we endeavored to chronicle relevant legal decisions and policy related to the current administration’s efforts in the areas of energy transition, grid upgrades and energy security. We closely followed the hydrogen and offshore wind spaces that have emerged as multibillion-dollar industries as stakeholders seek paths forward to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We reported live this year from the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Winter Policy Summit and from the CERAWeek conference — and from many virtual events — to provide the clearest picture possible of the energy landscape and its current transformation.
When we started covering energy policy, we began combing through FERC filings, taking notes from our talented competitors and relying on our sources for guidance as we learned how best to approach the news. Energy Policy News’ coverage was informed by guidance from veteran energy journalist and Contributing Editor Rod Kuckro. Rod’s insights proved invaluable, and his generosity and mentorship made us better journalists; we will remember his lessons as we move on to other ventures within Royal Media.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to the many sources who provided their time and expertise on issues ranging from renewable energy to fossil fuels, and to our loyal subscribers. We are hopeful that our work will continue to aid them long into the future.
—The Editors
