Advanced Energy Perspectives

Two energy trends are at play today in nearly every state: the demand for more electricity in general is rising for the first time in two decades, and the demand for a greater share of new electric-generating resources to be from clean resources is at an all-time high. Even before landmark legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) unlocked unprecedented levels of incentives to build new wind, solar and battery storage projects, nearly all new generating capacity added to the U.S. power grid was from clean energy. Now, there is also increasing pressure to accelerate the building of new clean energy resources thanks to growing energy needs driven by increased domestic manufacturing, more transportation electrification, and data centers and artificial intelligence. Many of the companies building these new facilities want them to be powered by renewable energy. 

On June 4, Governor Wes Moore cemented his place among clean energy champions when he announced that he intends to double down on Maryland’s commitment to 100% clean energy by 2035. Moore’s Executive Order, carrying the full force of law, created a Governor’s Subcabinet on Climate and directed all state agencies to develop Climate Implementation Plans that align with the state’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan, identify funding and funding gaps to fully implement their plans, and consider how to advance environmental justice and address disproportionate impacts of climate change on underserved and overburdened communities. The order impacts the power sector, the transportation sector, and critically: the building sector.  

It's important that all stakeholders are included in the clean energy transition, bringing diverse perspectives to address challenges and opportunities. And, when we are given a platform to speak, it’s crucial that we are intentional about the conversations we have. 

FERC’s landmark transmission planning order – Order No. 1920 – will require changes to how America builds up its transmission system, the backbone of our electric grid. Fundamental to this new process will be a formalized role for states in deciding how transmission lines are planned and paid for. The ruling has the potential to transform our system by encouraging cooperation and prioritizing system reliability and affordability. Getting it right will require a new approach by many stakeholders, and will especially require robust state engagement. 

The New York State legislature gaveled out in the early morning hours of June 8, marking the end of a tumultuous legislative session and leaving many bills, including some key United-championed pieces of legislation, unpassed.