PHILADELPHIA, PA — PJM Interconnection, an electricity grid operator serving 65 million people across 13 states, has come under fire for its recent request to the Trump administration seeking Clean Air Act exemptions for regional electricity producers reliant on fossil fuels like coal and fracked gas.
The letter, submitted on April 4, has sparked sharp criticism amid growing concerns over PJM’s stalled progress on hundreds of renewable energy projects. These proposed projects, capable of powering 58 million homes, remain delayed, leading to significant costs for consumers. According to estimates, ratepayers in PJM’s service area could face an additional $12.5 billion in energy costs over one year.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has previously voiced opposition to PJM’s handling of energy challenges, filing a complaint with federal regulators in December 2024 to address rising energy bills. Critics argue that PJM is prioritizing outdated and polluting energy sources over cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.
“Instead of spending time trying to do an end-run around the laws that protect us from air pollution… PJM should stop delaying the hundreds of clean energy projects that they’ve been dragging their feet on,” said David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment, in a statement responding to PJM’s request.
Masur further condemned the grid operator’s actions, describing its efforts to back fossil fuel reliance as “appalling,” especially with ready-to-build renewable energy projects held up by PJM’s delays. He emphasized the need for a transition to safer, cost-effective technologies like solar, wind, and battery storage.
Environmental advocates and policymakers continue to push PJM to resolve its backlog and focus on bringing renewable energy projects online, highlighting the economic and environmental consequences of inaction.
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