Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's new grid rule deepens partisan divisions

A recent FERC initiative aimed at modernizing the U.S. power grid has intensified partisan disagreements, threatening bipartisan efforts for a comprehensive permitting overhaul.

Kelsey Brugger reports for E&E News.

In short:

Democrats praise the rule for promoting renewable energy expansion, while Republicans criticize it for potential hikes in energy costs.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer suggests legislative efforts on transmission are unlikely to proceed due to the political landscape.
Despite these tensions, some Democrats continue to advocate for further legislative actions to address climate goals.

Key quote:

"North Dakotans are used to being the backbone of an affordable and reliable grid, but this rulemaking will force my constituents into the unaffordable and unreliable grid Democrats dream about."

— Senator Kevin Cramer, ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Why this matters:

This rule sits at the heart of a conversation about how America balances immediate economic challenges with long-term environmental and health goals. The partisan debate affects policy and economic landscapes and carries significant implications for public health. Transitioning to renewable energy has the potential to reduce air pollution, a major health hazard linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and represents a pivotal shift in how environmental health is approached in the United States.

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electric vehicle EV charging at a charging station.

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New Trump administration rule weakens efforts to promote cleaner cars

The Trump administration just threw a wrench into Biden’s fuel efficiency plans, publishing a new rule that challenges how electric vehicles factor into federal standards.

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill.

In short:

The U.S. Transportation Department issued a rule saying the Biden administration improperly used electric vehicles to calculate carmakers’ fuel economy standards.
While not eliminating Biden’s rules outright, the administration suggested it may not enforce them during its own rulemaking process, arguing the current standards are akin to an EV mandate.
The move undercuts one of Biden’s core climate strategies and could reduce pressure on automakers to improve efficiency — unless U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules, which Republicans are also trying to reverse, stay intact.

Why this matters:

Fuel efficiency rules are one of the federal government’s main tools to cut transportation emissions — the top source of greenhouse gases in the U.S. While this new rule doesn’t outright kill the fuel economy standards, it signals the administration likely won’t enforce them while it writes its own version.

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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's new grid rule deepens partisan divisions

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