Amisha Rai

Stateline reports that state officials across the country are rushing to fast-track solar and wind projects before clean energy tax credits are removed. United’s Manging Director Harry Godfrey warns that abrupt halts on tax incentives will derail long-planned energy projects, while United’s Senior Vice President of Advocacy Amisha Rai notes that nationwide demand for electricity is expected to continue propelling renewable deployment over the long-term.

Inside Climate News interviewed several energy experts about what to expect from state governments on renewable energy policies in the new year. United’s Amisha Rai pointed to the California Legislature’s opportunity to support the development of a regional transmission grid through the West’s Pathways Initiative. She also highlighted the bipartisan support for advanced energy solutions in Texas.

A few states and entities have filed rehearing requests seeking to undo the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision to improve the rules for how the U.S. plans and pays for long-distance transmission lines. The filings appear to reflect a misunderstanding about how FERC Order No. 1920 will impact states.

E&E News reports on the U.S. Department of Energy’s recent report spelling out the advantages of advanced technologies in expanding grid capacity, quoting United’s Amisha Rai on how advanced technologies could solve much of the country’s electricity challenges.

Commissioners from Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington sent a letter to the leadership of the Western Interstate Energy Board and the Committee on Regional Electric Power Cooperation outlining their intent to work collectively toward a West-wide Regional Transmission Organization (RTO).

A new study shows California would benefit greatly from participating in a regional electric grid with neighboring states, including $21.7 billion in new annual gross state product.