Insights by Jessica Bell (Deputy Director)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Putting the Public Back into Public Convenience and Necessity in Natural Gas Pipeline Certificates

Spring 2022

It was a hot summer for FERC on several fronts, including a continuing trend of closer scrutiny of the interstate natural gas pipelines under its jurisdiction.

The Earth is Green, Water is Blue, Is Environmental Law the Career for You?

Decades ago, the phrase “environmental law” might have evoked thoughts of working on cases about contaminated water, polluted air, and toxic waste spills.

Climate Stumbling Blocks: Zombie Energy Laws, States, and the Path to Paris

2021

With the dawn of the Biden Administration, there is renewed optimism that the U.S. will take steps to fulfill its responsibilities under the Paris Agreement and curb GHG emissions

The Virtual Coal in Your Stocking

If you are thinking about holiday gifts this month, be careful about cryptocurrency mined with coal. Cryptocurrency is a virtual currency that has been getting increasing levels of negative attention due to environmental harms associated with how it is “mined.”