Insights by Jessica Bell (Energy Director & Deputy Director)

Jessica Bell (she, her) is an experienced attorney dedicated to promoting the public interest in the environmental and energy sectors. She previously served as the Clean Energy Attorney at the Center, focusing on energy law issues at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and on state energy policy matters.

  • Blog A patchwork illustration of a wind turbine

    Leading the Clean Energy Charge: Spotlight on State AGs

    When it comes to the future of a clean energy grid, it might be surprising to learn that state attorneys general play a big role at both the state and federal levels. But it’s true. Regardless of who is leading the Department of Energy or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, for years, states have played an important role, and recent examples prove this yet again.

  • Blog An illustration of the electric grid

    Easy as Pi: Regulating for the Grid of the Future

    The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is poised to take action this spring on transmission reform – reforms that are needed so that new energy sources make it to the grid and to meet growing demand. FERC’s Chairman Willie Phillips has said the reforms are in their “final lap.” It is time to get back up to speed.

  • Blog An abstract depiction of the energy market overlaid with text from a court order

    Focus on the "Focused MOPR": Third Circuit Upholds FERC 2-2 "Action"

    The Third Circuit kicked off the month of December with an order affirming a market rule that better accommodates state clean energy goals. This blog post breaks down the three significant findings in the decision.

  • Blog An illustration depicting the grid of the future, with wind turbines, solar energy, and trees filling a bustling urban scene

    Powering Up for a Clean Energy Transition

    Today’s grid has many demands; it needs to keep the lights on, charge cars, and power heat pumps. At the same time, the changing climate means that extreme weather is straining the system in the times of greatest demand. Regional market operators and their regulators are grappling with what the grid of the future will look like and how to get there.

  • Blog Transmission towers, text from FERC's docket on EJ roundtable comments for permitting, sound waves, and torn paper.

    Reflections on FERC’s Environmental Justice Roundtable

    Organizations and individuals recently submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) following its Roundtable on Environmental Justice and Equity in Infrastructure Permitting. This post discusses a few themes from some of the comments.

  • Blog An illustration depicting a clean energy future: wind turbines and a gust of wind; solar panels and a bright sun; a green skyline sits on the globe.

    Unjust, Unreasonable, Unwelcome: EJ Barriers at FERC

    A look at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s recent commitment to prioritizing environmental justice, where there is still room for improvement, and opportunities for public engagement.

  • Blog A wind turbine viewed from the ground, and a map of New England superimposed on the sky

    A Clean Energy Market for New England

    The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources released a new proposed market design that could create a competitive arena to meet clean energy goals. Learn about how this design would work, and how to weigh in on it.

  • Blog A transmission tower viewed from directly below; the sky above is separated into a blue filter on the left and a red filter on the right

    A New Year, (Waiting on) a New FERC

    The end of 2022 was a tumultuous time at FERC with then-Chairman Richard Glick not getting reconfirmed for another term. The usually-five-member commission now has 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans, its acting chair has limited staffing, and this could go on for several months until the vacancy is filled and a new chair nominated. Read to see what this limbo at FERC means for the clean energy transition.

  • Reports A road curves past the U.S. Capitol building, overlooking green agricultural fields filled with wind turbines in the distance; a stock market index chart looms in the sky

    Where Are We Now? A Year of Agency & Attorney General Action

    This report looks at AG policy wins from the past year; reviews federal rulemaking progress during the Biden administration so far; and examines the importance of and obstacles to public input, as well as the role AGs can play in facing those challenges.

  • Blog Solar panels on a building with corrugated metal siding; text from a Department of Energy press release sits in the sky behind the building

    Get a GRIP on DOE Funding

    The acronym soup of federal laws that will turbocharge clean energy is ready for primetime. This week, we’ll take a look at the Infrastructure Law, signed last year (sometimes referred to as the BIL or the IIJA).

  • Blog An inky black transmission tower against a bright yellow sky

    Plugging in to Opportunities for a Resilient Grid

    As extreme heat and other dangerous weather continues with the start of summer, state and public engagement on FERC and electricity market issues is key to building a clean, reliable, affordable grid.

  • Blog Two windows, looking out on views of a transmission tower and a pipeline.

    What We're Watching: FERC Edition

    There has been a lot happening at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Here are some highlights from across FERC’s gas, consumer protection, and electricity market work.