Long-term resource plans of electric utilities across the U.S. reflect the growing role of energy storage in integrated resource planning, with multi-gigawatt portfolios designed to support grid reliability, manage rapid load growth, and complement solar and wind resources.
A growing number of states are establishing distinct rate classes and tariffs for large energy users, such as data centers, to ensure these customers bear the full costs and risks of their significant grid impacts and protect other ratepayers from undue cost-shifting. These state actions come amid a broad federal push to support data center growth through streamlined regulation and infrastructure development.
Regulators across the U.S. are advancing new policies to update electric system planning frameworks, strengthen grid reliability and resilience, and better integrate clean energy and emerging technologies.
States across the U.S. are advancing efforts to strengthen and clarify regulatory frameworks for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), even as federal priorities shift. Carbon sequestration is the process of injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.
Federal and state actions reflect a concerted effort to maintain the existing nuclear fleet while advancing new reactor and fusion technologies, shaping the pace of nuclear energy deployment.
States across the U.S. are updating solar programs to better integrate them into the electricity grid. Lawmakers and regulators are refining incentives, rate designs, and interconnection rules to ensure distributed energy resources enhance grid performance while balancing fairness and affordability for all customers.
California is advancing a series of energy and climate policies, reflecting the state’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and modernizing the electricity system while supporting affordability and equity.
Across the U.S., states are actively expanding and modernizing their energy efficiency initiatives through new goals, multi-year plans, and investments. These actions aim to deliver measurable savings, reduce emissions, and support equitable access to benefits.
Developments in U.S. carbon markets reflect new progress as states reinforce their commitment to emissions-trading programs despite receding federal climate action. Amid rising auction prices, states and regions are extending their programs beyond the next decade, signaling resilience and renewed confidence in market-based climate initiatives.
As the federal government rolls back vehicle emission standards and electric vehicle (EV) incentives, several states are advancing their own measures to sustain zero-emission transportation goals.
The U.S. offshore wind sector is navigating a shifting policy environment amid recent federal actions, which have slowed momentum and increased market uncertainty. These actions have led developers to reassess their timelines and commitments, rendering state efforts and long-term planning increasingly critical.
Several U.S. states have enacted or are considering legislation to manage the electricity costs and infrastructure impacts of large-load customers, particularly data centers. These energy-intensive facilities are expected to consume up to 12 percent of total U.S. electricity by 2028, up from 4.4 percent in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Department.
