Electric transmission lines at night.

Nine northeastern US states launch alliance to speed clean energy transmission and bypass grid operator delays

A coalition of nine states in the US Northeast has announced a new strategy to jointly govern and plan interstate electric grid expansion, aiming to break through regional gridlock and accelerate clean energy development.

Aman Azhar reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • The states — Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont — unveiled the Strategic Action Plan on Interregional Transmission on April 28, establishing a model to coordinate and finance cross-border power lines.
  • The move follows years of frustration with PJM Interconnection and other grid operators over delays and cost hikes that have slowed renewable energy rollouts and burdened consumers.
  • The plan emphasizes public-interest goals over profit, with proposals to standardize equipment, pool procurement, and launch a joint request for transmission projects that meet climate mandates and reduce fossil fuel use.

Key quote:

“This collaboration illustrates exactly why state-led action is so important.”

— Wes Moore, governor of Maryland

Why this matters:

The U.S. electric grid wasn't designed to move clean energy across long distances, but that's exactly what's needed to meet renewable energy goals and fight climate change. Many states now have ambitious targets to cut emissions, but they're running into roadblocks because current grid systems prioritize the needs of legacy utilities and rely on fragmented regional oversight. Without a coordinated approach, states like Maryland and New Jersey — heavy power importers with bold renewable mandates — risk falling short of their climate commitments. The lack of interregional planning has also left many solar and wind projects stranded in a backlog of approval processes. By stepping in to lead transmission planning, states hope to streamline development and reduce consumer costs, while cutting dependence on fossil fuels during peak demand.

Read more: Trump administration budget shifts lead to layoffs at key federal renewable energy lab

Two people running through heavy rain.

Trump administration halts NOAA climate tool that could warn cities about future flood risks

The Commerce Department has paused the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) effort to model future rainfall extremes linked to climate change, leaving cities and engineers without critical data as storms intensify nationwide.

Sarah Kaplan reports for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
A road sign covered by rising flood waters.

Cuts to weather and disaster agencies weakening U.S. climate resilience

As floods and storms intensify across the country, the Trump administration is slashing funding and staffing for key federal weather and emergency agencies, prompting warnings from disaster experts.

Lisa Friedman, Maxine Joselow, Coral Davenport, and Megan Mineiro report for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
An aerial view of wetlands and green fields.
Credit: Photo by Yogendra Singh/Unsplash

We’re losing wetlands fast—and the global cost is staggering

A major global wetlands report finds that humanity has wiped out over 20% of life-supporting wetlands since 1970, threatening water security, food systems, and climate stability.

Katie Surma reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
Nuclear towers near electric towers at sunset.

Michigan nuclear plant prepares to restart amid growing support and local pushback

Palisades nuclear plant in southwest Michigan is on track to become the first fully shuttered U.S. commercial reactor to restart, thanks to bipartisan backing and major federal and state investment.

Francisco "A.J." Camacho and Daviel Schulman report for E&E News.

Keep reading...Show less
A closeup of wires and cables connecting a data server.

New fossil-fueled AI boom planned in Pennsylvania raises climate concerns

President Trump celebrated $90 billion in corporate investments to turn Pennsylvania into a hub for AI and natural gas, as environmental advocates warned it could deepen the state’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Marianne Lavelle and Kiley Bense report for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
Tailings ponds with different colored water and waste viewed from above.

Trump administration moves to return coal ash oversight to states amid pollution concerns

The Trump administration plans to shift regulation of coal ash disposal to states, a move that could slow or reverse federal cleanup efforts at some of the nation’s most contaminated sites.

Jonathan Zhao reports for Circle of Blue.

Keep reading...Show less
Dark wildfire smoke drifting in front of the sun.

Wildfire smoke poses growing health threats as politics delay response

Wildfire smoke, now a year-round hazard in North America, is linked to rising health risks — from asthma to cognitive decline — even as political fights stall coordinated responses and research funding.

Kiley Price reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.