State Legislators Commend PJM for Responding to State Concerns

Following Input from State Legislators, PJM Revises Capacity Market Rules With Eye to Clean Energy

Over 50 members of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL), representing eight states, commends PJM for their new efforts to support state clean energy goals and encourages the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve PJM’s new filing to revise the Minimum Offer Price Rule (MOPR).

Reducing dependence on fossil fuels is important not only to avoid further climate destabilization, but also to protect communities against the air and water pollution associated with fossil fuel combustion, provide clean energy jobs, and take advantage of the enormous cost savings that renewable energy can provide.

In March, state legislators wrote PJM concerned about recent changes to the MOPR. The changes make it difficult or impossible for renewable energy resources to compete in PJM’s capacity market, undermining Renewable Portfolio Standards in states across the PJM Interconnection. 

Following the initial letter and a comment to FERC, legislators met with PJM leadership in May to discuss how states and PJM could work together to support renewable energy and create a partnership in achieving state clean energy goals.

After hearing from state legislators, PJM released a revised version of the MOPR in July. The new filing will facilitate more participation by state-supported clean energy resources. It will also prevent consumer bills from rising unnecessarily and thus help to protect overburdened and economically vulnerable populations.

This recent comment to FERC, spearheaded by Maryland Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, emphasizes legislators’ appreciation for the revised filing, urges FERC to approve it, and encourages a continued partnership on providing a reliable and affordable clean energy system.

Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,000 environmentally committed state legislators from all 50 states and both parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on environmental issues.