Insights

We regularly produce original research and analysis that highlight attorney general work on clean energy and the environment and provide commentary on important and timely topics in these areas of work.

  • Trackers A transmission tower in front of an orange sky; a flock of birds flies past; a snippet of text from FERC's Building for the Future NOPR; the State Impact Center logo.

    Tracking Transmission Reform

    Updated March 26, 2024

    Transmission planning needs to change to support a clean, affordable, and equitable grid. Hear from state AGs on why transmission reform is a critical aspect of climate response, get background on how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is approaching its overhaul to the process, and stay up to date on how AGs are getting involved.

  • Blog An illustration of the electric grid

    Easy as Pi: Regulating for the Grid of the Future

    The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is poised to take action this spring on transmission reform – reforms that are needed so that new energy sources make it to the grid and to meet growing demand. FERC’s Chairman Willie Phillips has said the reforms are in their “final lap.” It is time to get back up to speed.

  • Blog A continuous line drawing of a pipeline

    Looking (at Climate Impacts) Before Leaping (to Expand a Pipeline)

    In two weeks, the D.C. Circuit will hear oral argument on a controversial natural gas pipeline project which is supposed to add 36 miles of new pipeline, as well as infrastructure, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Here is a rundown of the arguments before the court.

  • Reports An illustration of a just transition: construction workers overlook a green valley with a winding road; solar panels are being installed in the foreground; in the distance, transmission towers and lines connect wind turbines on one side of the image to a skyline on the other side; a train riding along a viaduct connects the foreground and background.

    A Role for State Attorneys General in a Just Transition

    Updated February 28, 2024
    This report considers how state attorneys general (AGs) can help ensure that the shift to renewable energy supports communities and leads to good climate jobs. The report provides insight into the role of AGs, highlights recent AG enforcement of workers’ rights and environmental protection, and offers additional ideas for what state attorneys general can do in relation to a just transition.

  • Trackers A soft pink, blue, and navy illustration of a lightbulb overlaid on an illustration of wind turbines sprawled out across a hilly landscape

    AG Actions Database

    Updated February 15, 2024
    This database tracks actions of regional and national significance taken by state AGs to advance clean energy, climate and environmental laws and policies since 2017. The database is updated on a monthly basis.

  • Blog A sprout on a stack of coins

    Investor Transparency and Shareholder Opportunity Go Together Like E, S, and G

    Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices at corporations have been making headlines and fueling a vigorous debate along with new lawsuits. Two recent podcasts from Recharged with the State Impact Center highlight some of the emerging themes.

  • Blog A court building casting a shadow behind a veil of smog

    Six More Weeks of...Smog? The Court’s Shadow Docket Takes on a Case About Ozone

    This Groundhog Day, there’s another shadow (docket) you need to keep your eye on. In a few weeks, the Supreme Court will consider a case about EPA’s recent rule regarding air pollution that crosses state borders. The impact of the new Court and its decision to hear oral argument on the shadow docket are both interesting features to watch in this case.

  • Articles The Environmental Forum - ELI logo

    The Court Takes Up Cross-State Air Again—but on Shadow Docket

    “In the Courts” Column: The Supreme Court recently heard an argument in a case about EPA’s recent rule regarding air pollution that crosses state borders. Since the Court heard a similar case in the past decade, it will be interesting to see if the new lineup leads to a different result or whether the Court will stick to its own precedent.

  • Trackers Illustrations of plastic water bottles, recycling arrows, smokestacks, gavels, justice scales, and plastic bags in various greens, blues, and yellows, displayed in a pattern across a white background.

    Plastics Litigation Tracker

    Updated January 29, 2024

    The Plastics Litigation Tracker tracks cases addressing plastics across federal and state courts, including resolved and pending cases. The tracker will be updated as cases are resolved and new cases are filed.

  • Blog A watercolor illustration of plastic litter

    Beware of the Plastics...and of the Companies Creating the Problem

    What do you think when you see trash in the river or on the side of the road? Do you think: I wish someone would clean that up? Now, New York State is working to give folks a new way to look at that trash.

  • Projects State Impact Center logo

    Supporting State Commissions: Senior Advisor Program

    Launched December 1, 2023

    This nonpartisan Senior Advisor Program builds capacity at state public utility commissions by supporting relationships between current public utility commissioners and experienced former commissioners. The participating commissioners drive this flexible program, allowing them to focus on addressing their most pressing needs and challenges.

  • Blog "2023" in large font, with the State Impact Center logo in the middle of the 0; confetti in the background

    Year In Review: 2023 at the State Impact Center

    Take a look at what we accomplished this year at the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center! We reached a new milestone, served up a bunch of useful resources, shared our best staff recommendations, and gathered as a team for park clean-ups, outings, and more!