Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed two bipartisan clean energy bills that aimed to expand small solar projects and energy storage across the state. Inside Climate News spoke with several clean energy experts and advocates, including United's Jim Purekal, who stated that the veto was a missed opportunity to increase grid reliability, reduce costs for ratepayers, and bolster energy security across the state.
Topics: Virginia, United In The News, Jim Purekal, Solar, Battery Storage
Utility Dive reports that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is likely to be targeted for cuts as Congress aims to cut spending by $2 trillion. United's Harry Godfrey emphasized that tax credits included in the IRA are critical to building U.S. energy dominance, creating good-paying jobs, and boosting economic development.
Topics: United In The News, Harrison Godfrey, Federal Priorities
HB25-1292 will open existing state highway rights-of-way for electric transmission lines, helping meet Colorado’s growing demand for clean, reliable energy
DENVER, CO—Today, the Colorado Legislature has officially passed HB 25-1292, known as the “NextGen Highways” bill, marking a major step forward in modernizing Colorado’s electric transmission infrastructure. The bill now heads to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for signature.
Topics: Press Releases, Emilie Olson, Transmission, Colorado
Inside Climate News reports on President Trump's proposed cuts to the 2026 fiscal year budget, which includes deep cuts to renewable energy research, low-income heating assistance, and environmental justice programs, reflecting a broader rollback of energy and infrastructure spending. United’s Harry Godfrey advocated that advanced energy technologies are essential for an economy with abundant and affordable energy and criticized the budget request for seemingly defunding programs based on keywords, such as 'renewable energy.'
Topics: United In The News, Harrison Godfrey, Federal Priorities
The Community Energy Act (HB 2346/SB 1100) makes way for community-powered clean energy, cutting costs and boosting reliability
RICHMOND, VA — Today, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the Community Energy Act (HB 2346/SB 1100) into law. The new law directs Dominion Energy to launch a 450-megawatt virtual power plant pilot, allowing homes and businesses to aggregate solar panels, batteries, EV chargers, and smart devices into a flexible grid resource that can reduce peak demand, lower electricity costs, and improve grid reliability.
Topics: Virginia, Press Releases, Jim Purekal, Virtual Power Plants
Canary Media reports on Massachusetts advocates urging Governor Maura Healey to stay the course on enforcement of the state's long-established ACCII standards, amid concerns that the administration may backtrack on those commitments. United’s Kat Burnham observes the pressure to roll back these standards isn’t coming from consumers, and notes the state already has incentives and infrastructure in place to support the transition to electrified transportation.
Topics: Advanced Transportation, United In The News, Electric Vehicles, Kat Burnham, Massachusetts
Judiciary Committee passes SB 540 11 to 0 vote with new amendments that further safeguard California’s clean energy leadership and consumer protections
SACRAMENTO, CA—The Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 540 by a vote of 11 to 0, advancing legislation that continues to balance diverse stakeholder priorities while creating a pathway to reliable and affordable clean energy. SB 540 creates a framework for regional energy coordination that expands clean energy deployment, preserves California’s clean energy goals, and protects state authority.
Topics: Press Releases, Leah Rubin Shen, Western RTO, California
In an opinion piece for Crain's Chicago Business, United's Samarth Medakkar and Climate Control Group’s Joe Parsons highlight the cost savings and grid benefits of geothermal heating and cooling, urging lawmakers to expand access to these proven technologies by passing House Bills 3399 and 3609.
Topics: United In The News, Illinois, Samarth Medakkar, Building Electrification, Geothermal
The Houston Chronicle discusses the challenges and defenses surrounding the Texas Energy Fund, a $5 billion initiative aimed at bolstering the state's power grid through the construction of new natural gas power plants. Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's Executive Director Matthew Boms urged lawmakers to embrace battery storage, solar, and wind resources as the fastest and most affordable way to meet new load growth.
Topics: United In The News, Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, Texas, Matthew Boms
E&E News reports that the Public Utility Commission of Texas has approved the state's first-ever high-voltage transmission lines. Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's Executive Director Matthew Boms explains why this is an important step for the future of Texas' energy grid.
Topics: United In The News, Texas, Transmission, Matthew Boms