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FERC chairman makes data-center connections and permitting streamlining top priorities, opens comment dockets
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Summary
Chairman Sweat said the commission will prioritize connecting and powering data centers and will rely on an open docket process to gather input from DOE, states, industry and other stakeholders before acting on proposed deadlines and rules.
Chairman Sweat, head of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), told reporters that connecting and powering data centers and streamlining permitting to encourage energy infrastructure investment are among his top priorities.
"Winning the AI race by connecting and powering data centers and streamlining permitting to encourage energy infrastructure investment and construction," Sweat said, describing why the issue is "top of mind" for him.
Sweat responded to questions about a Department of Energy proposal and an April 2026 deadline by saying FERC has opened a docket for the so-called colocation/large-load rulemaking and expects detailed comments from DOE, other federal agencies, states, utilities and data-center operators. "It is so important that everyone weighs in, that DOE weighs in, other agencies, the administration, the states, all of the stakeholders, the data centers," he said.
He framed the approach as evidence-driven: as a "traditional regulatory lawyer" he said he keeps an open mind and will base decisions on what stakeholders file in the record. He emphasized legal durability and that staff is available to answer technical questions about notice language when necessary.
The chairman also noted that FERC issued multiple news releases that day, including a notice of proposed rulemaking referenced earlier in the briefing related to a five-year review. He asked stakeholders to use the open dockets to provide the factual record FERC will rely on when crafting any rule or guidance.
Next steps: FERC is accepting comments in the open docket for the large-load/colocation matter; staff will process requests and questions about the docket language and timelines.
