News

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved PJM Interconnection's proposal to expedite the development of new power plants. Erie New Now spoke with United's Jon Gordon who explained that this new approach favors fossil fuels over clean energy solutions and does not address the root of the issue, which is a faulty interconnection process.

The Nevada Independent reports on NV Energy's decision to convert the North Valmy Generating Station from coal to natural gas instead of retiring it as originally promised. United's Brian Turner criticized this decision, saying that NV Energy missed an opportunity to transition to renewable energy, and warned that this move will keep Nevada dependent on fossil fuels and burden ratepayers with the costs for decades. 

The Nevada Independent reports on President Trump's executive order to halt all Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) disbursements. United's Leah Rubin Shen warns that this freeze will hurt families, small businesses, and local economies.

The Washington Post reports on President Trump's halt on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a $5 billion initiative to expand EV charging stations across America. United's Ryan Gallentine urged state transportation agencies and program administrators to continue EV project development until new guidance is finalized.

With the recent suspension of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, the Federal Highway Administration has directed states to decertify their implementation plans, halting construction of new EV charging stations and placing existing projects at risk. Bloomberg quoted United's Ryan Gallentine, who stated that the order has created enormous uncertainty for billions of dollars that both states and private companies have invested in EV infrastructure.

The Boston Globe covers President Trump's recent executive order to pause federal funding for solar energy projects, causing significant implications for numerous solar initiatives in Massachusetts and the broader New England region. United's Jeremy McDiarmid expressed concern that the administration's funding freeze could hinder the region's progress toward clean energy goals, increase costs, and slow economic growth.

President Trump's recent executive order to pause federal funding has led to significant economic disruptions nationwide, and although federal courts have ordered the resumption of funding, the path forward remains uncertain. United's Harry Godfrey spoke with Canary Media, emphasizing the economic strains, layoffs, and grid challenges Americans are facing across the country due to the freezes.

Despite President Trump's recent pause of new offshore wind projects, fully permitted, existing wind projects in New England are unlikely to be impacted. MassLive spoke with several advanced energy experts, including United's Jeremy McDiarmid who highlighted that current offshore wind developments in Massachusetts and the surrounding areas are on track to contribute significantly to the region's clean energy goals.

Erie News Now reports on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's "Lightning Plan," which covers a range of policy suggestions, including energy affordability, tax credits, and advanced energy project development. United's Morgan Pinnell praised the Governor's proposal, highlighting the cost-savings clean energy solutions provide for ratepayers.

E&E News identifies key energy topics under consideration in Texas' 2025 legislative session, including new permitting requirements for wind, solar, and battery storage projects. Matthew Boms of Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (United's state affiliate) stated that industry standards are making battery storage safer, encouraging lawmakers to recognize the role batteries have in creating a more reliable and resilient grid.